Sulcus sign

Overview
The Sulcus sign is an orthopedic evaluation test for glenohumeral instability of the shoulder (glenohumeral joint).

Physical examination technique
This test can be administered with the patient either seated or standing with his arm relaxed at her side. The examiner palpates the shoulder by placing her thumb and fingers on the anterior and posterior aspects of the humeral head.

The examiner grasps the patient's elbow with her other hand and applies a downward distraction force. With excessive inferior translation, a depression occurs just below the acromion. A positive test will result in a sulcus being formed between the acromion and the humeral head as the humeral head moves inferiorly while the force is being applied.