During the posterolateral rotary instability test, what position should the shoulder and elbow be in?

The appropriate position for the shoulder and elbow during the posterolateral rotary instability test is flexed to 90 degrees. This positioning is pivotal as it allows the clinician to put the shoulder in a stable yet challenging position that replicates the functional stresses the joint would experience during activities that involve overhead motions.

Flexing the elbow to 90 degrees also helps to isolate the shoulder's movements and assess the rotator cuff and the glenoid labrum's stability effectively. This position maximizes the tension on the structures involved in posterolateral rotary stability, helping to provoke symptoms or reveal instability more clearly.

Furthermore, the selected position creates a scenario where the clinician can apply loads in various directions, providing critical information about the integrity of the joint and the surrounding soft tissues. This understanding is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.