During a load and shift test, a patient's humeral head moves over the glenoid rim but returns back to position upon release. What grade of glenohumeral translation is observed?

During a load and shift test, a patient's humeral head moves over the glenoid rim but returns back to position upon release. What grade of glenohumeral translation is observed?

• A. Grade 1
• B. Grade 2
• C. Grade 3
• D. Grade 4

Answer: (B)

In assessing glenohumeral joint stability, the load and shift test is utilized to evaluate translation of the humeral head relative to the glenoid fossa. The movement of the humeral head over the glenoid rim that returns to its original position upon releasing pressure indicates a specific level of instability. A grade of translation that occurs when the humeral head shifts over the glenoid rim but is still able to return to its initial, centered position reflects the presence of sufficient static stability to prevent dislocation. This scenario corresponds to what is classified as grade 2 translation. In this case, the humeral head experiences a partial displacement but is able to relocate back to its anatomical position without requiring external assistance, signifying a moderate level of instability — typically observed as a symptom in certain shoulder pathologies. In contrast, grade 1 translation involves minimal movement without reaching the glenoid rim, while grade 3 denotes complete dislocation without the ability to return spontaneously. Grade 4, although seldom referenced, would suggest a more severe instability or complete dislocation scenario, which is not represented by the described movement. Thus, when the humeral head moves over the glenoid rim and returns upon release, this is accurately categorized as grade 2 translation.

In assessing glenohumeral joint stability, the load and shift test is utilized to evaluate translation of the humeral head relative to the glenoid fossa. The movement of the humeral head over the glenoid rim that returns to its original position upon releasing pressure indicates a specific level of instability.

A grade of translation that occurs when the humeral head shifts over the glenoid rim but is still able to return to its initial, centered position reflects the presence of sufficient static stability to prevent dislocation. This scenario corresponds to what is classified as grade 2 translation. In this case, the humeral head experiences a partial displacement but is able to relocate back to its anatomical position without requiring external assistance, signifying a moderate level of instability — typically observed as a symptom in certain shoulder pathologies.

In contrast, grade 1 translation involves minimal movement without reaching the glenoid rim, while grade 3 denotes complete dislocation without the ability to return spontaneously. Grade 4, although seldom referenced, would suggest a more severe instability or complete dislocation scenario, which is not represented by the described movement. Thus, when the humeral head moves over the glenoid rim and returns upon release, this is accurately categorized as grade 2 translation.