The Dugas test is positive and indicates which condition?

• A. Acute dislocation of glenohumeral joint
• B. Chronic dislocation of glenohumeral joint
• C. AC joint separation
• D. Rotator cuff tear

Answer: (A)

Dugas’ test is used to assess a shoulder dislocation, specifically an acute anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. When the humeral head has shifted forward, trying to bring the elbow to touch the opposite shoulder causes severe pain and an inability to complete the movement, so the sign is positive. This finding is most consistent with an acute dislocation, rather than AC joint separation or a rotator cuff tear, which do not typically prevent crossing the arm over the chest in this way. Chronic dislocations might present with deformity or recurrent instability, but the classic positive sign in the acute setting points to an acute glenohumeral dislocation.