06/02/2026
O’Brien’s test for shoulder or Active Compression Test for shoulder labral tears
O’Brien’s test (Active Compression Test) is a clinical shoulder examination used to detect labral tears (especially SLAP lesions) and acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathology. It involves resisted arm movement in two positions to see if pain or clicking occurs.
🧩 Purpose
Primary use: Identify superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions.
Secondary use: Detect AC joint abnormalities.
🔑 Technique
Patient sits or stands.
Arm is placed in 90° forward flexion and 10–15° adduction.
First position:
Shoulder internally rotated (thumb pointing down).
Examiner applies downward force while patient resists.
Second position:
Shoulder in neutral rotation (palm up).
Examiner repeats downward force.
Positive test:
Pain or clicking in the first position that is reduced or absent in the second position.
Deep pain → suggests labral tear.
Superficial pain → suggests AC joint pathology.
📊 Diagnostic Value
Sensitivity for SLAP lesions: ~67%.
Specificity for SLAP lesions: ~37%.
Sensitivity for AC joint lesions: ~14%.
Specificity for AC joint lesions: ~92%.
👉 Interpretation: The test is not highly reliable alone; best used alongside other shoulder tests and imaging.
⚖️ Clinical Notes
Often combined with other labral tests (e.g., Crank test, Speed’s test).
MRI or arthroscopy is needed for definitive diagnosis.
Helps differentiate labral pathology (deep pain) from AC joint pathology (superficial pain).
✅ Key takeaway:
O’Brien’s test (Active Compression Test) is a quick screening tool for SLAP lesions and AC joint problems, but due to limited accuracy, it should always be interpreted in the context of other clinical findings and imaging
O’Brien’s test (Active Compression Test) is a clinical shoulder examination used to detect labral tears (especially SLAP lesions) and acromioclavicular (AC) ...