A test of chronic joint instability. If this is present, the patient displays concern or discomfort when a joint is put in a position of risk for dislocation. There is an obvious facial display of discomfort; the patient may try to resist the maneuver by muscle contraction.
Patella: The patient lies supine with a relaxed quadriceps, and the examiner places digital pressure on the patella, attempting to locate it laterally.

Shoulder: The arm is abducted to 90° and rotated externally. With continued external rotation, the patient with an unstable shoulder expresses fear of dislocation.