Crank Tests

What is a Crank Test?

A , also called a compression rotation test or labral crank test, is used to check the integrity of the glenoid labrum and identify any labral tears in the area. More specifically, this test is meant to assess if the patient has a “superior labrum, anterior to posterior” or SLAP tear which is usually located on the socket’s upper part, possibly even involving the biceps tendon.

Typically, there are no templates provided for this test. However, for your ease and benefit, we’ve created a Crank Test template just for you. Feel free to use this as a guide, reference, and document where you can record your patient’s results.

In our template, expect to see the following:

• Basic information such as the date of examination, patient name, and examiner’s name
• Directions on conducting the test
• A guide on how to know if your patient is positive for the crank test
• An allocated space where you can write the patient’s results and additional notes you may have

Planning to add the crank test to the physical orthopedic examinations you will conduct to check if your patient has a glenoid labral tear? Keep reading for more details and a step-by-step on downloading and using our template.

How does this Crank Test work?

Access the Template

You can access and download our template by either:

• Clicking the “Use this template” or “Download Template” button above
• Searching for “Crank Test” on Carepatron’s template library on our website or app

Conduct the Test

Before you begin, however, don’t forget to fill out the basic information, such as the patient’s name, your name, and the exam date. Afterward, proceed to follow the test instructions.

Although we’ve provided directions on conducting the test on our template, for good measure, we also added it below.

1. Have your patient either sitting or in a supine position.
2. Elevate the patient’s affected arm. Note that the shoulder must be 160 degrees in elevation so the humerus is in the scapular plane.
3. Flex the elbow 90 degrees.
4. Gently apply pressure from the humerus down to the shoulder.
5. Keep doing step 4 while externally and internally rotating the shoulder.

Interpret and Proceed

Finished with the test? Then it’s time to interpret and record the patient’s results and write down your findings. Here’s the test result guide you will also find on our template:

(+) Positive Test if:

• The patient expresses pain
• There is clicking or catching

If the patient tests positive, it’s best to refer them to a specialist for the next steps or, if you are the specialist, have them undergo further testing before diagnosing.

Scoring

Similar to other physical tests whose results aren’t quantitative in nature, to score the Crank Test, you simply have to tick the negative or positive checkbox based on the corresponding interpretation. 

When to Use these Crank Assessments?

Practitioners can use these Crank assessments when conducting orthopedic examinations on their patients to determine if they have a glenoid labral tear. Practitioners may base their decision to test on the symptoms the patient is exhibiting or the activities they participated in.

If you’re not familiar with either, we provided a list of both.

Symptoms

Conduct the test if your patient is experiencing symptoms of a tear, such as:

• Occasional pain while doing daily activities
• Limited range of motion
• Pain with doing overhead movements
• Stiffness, instability, weakness, or dislocations of the shoulder
• A grinding, popping, locking, or catching sensation during movement

Causes

You may also examine your patient using this test if they:

• Do repetitive shoulder motions for a sport or work, such as athletes and weightlifters
• Fell on an outstretched arm
• Receive a direct hit to the shoulder
• Suddenly try to pull and lift a heavy object or stop themselves from falling or sliding by quicking reaching overhead

Do note that this test alone isn’t sufficient to diagnose a glenoid labral tear, more specifically, a SLAP tear. You will have to do other shoulder and neck physical exams and imaging tests before coming to a conclusion.

Who is this Crank Test PDF for?

Medical practitioners who specialize in assessing shoulder and neck pain can utilize this test and template. However, to be more specific, practitioners who will benefit from having a PDF copy of our Crank Test template are the following:

• General Physicians
• Sports Medicine Doctors
• Physical Therapists
• Orthopedic Doctors

Benefits of these Free Crank Test Templates

Easy to Understand

Since this test only has a few instructions delivered in a straightforward manner, any practitioner will find it easy to not only follow the provided step-by-step but also figure out the different sections of the template without a need for further explanation.

Quick to Administer

The Crank Test is short and requires you to manipulate the patient’s arm a few times. And with our template, aside from quickly administering the test, you can also record the results immediately afterward.

Written Copies for Reference

As mentioned above, this test generally doesn’t come with a template. That is why we’ve provided you with one to minimize the risks of not having one. A notable benefit you must keep in mind is that you will always have a written copy of results you can, or fellow practitioners can use as a reference if you decide to utilize our template.

Encourages Patient-Doctor Communication

If your patient tests positive, this can be a jump-off point you can use to ask the patient what may be the cause, especially if they haven’t shared it yet.

Fully Digital

With our digital template, you can edit the document on any local PDF editor on your gadgets or on Carepatron. Even better, when you decide to edit and store it on Carepatron, you can easily allow fellow practitioners to look at your notes by giving them limited viewing access.