Video 11.4. Laxity and Instability of the Throwing Shoulder

Laxity, or looseness, of the shoulder may develop due to years of repetitive throwing, which may cause stretching and tearing of the anterior joint capsule, labrum, and stabilizing structures. The load and shift test examines anterior and posterior laxity of the shoulder. Here, the examiner demonstrates the proper technique for the load and shift examination on a supine patient. An axial load to the humerus is applied, while the examiner sequentially applies an anteriorly directed force followed by a posteriorly directed force. Degree of translation in each direction is noted.