The AC compression test, specifically referred to in the context of the provided reference as the O'Brien Active Compression Test, is a physical examination maneuver used to help diagnose issues with the Acromioclavicular (AC) joint in the shoulder.
Understanding the O'Brien Active Compression Test for the AC Joint
The O'Brien Active Compression Test is a clinical assessment performed by healthcare professionals to evaluate potential problems in the shoulder. While it can help identify labral tears (when pain is deep in the shoulder), it is also used to assess the AC joint.
According to the reference:
- During the active O'Brien compression test, the patient may describe discomfort in the AC joint. This discomfort is typically felt right at the joint location.
This specific finding differentiates potential AC joint involvement from other issues the test might highlight, such as a labral injury, where the pain is described as deep within the shoulder. Therefore, discomfort localized to the AC joint during this test suggests a possible issue with the AC joint itself, such as degeneration or injury.
In essence, when a healthcare provider performs the O'Brien Active Compression Test and the patient reports pain directly over the AC joint, this finding serves as an indicator pointing towards AC joint dysfunction.
