Which of the following abduction ranges is within the recommended SCR tension-graft position?

• A. 0-10 degrees
• B. 30-40 degrees
• C. 20-30 degrees
• D. 40-50 degrees

Answer: (C)

Tensioning the SCR graft at a specific arm position sets how the graft behaves through the shoulder’s motion. The goal is to place the graft under the right amount of tension in the mid-range of abduction so it can act as a stable restraint against superior humeral head migration without over-constraining the joint.

Tensioning around 20-30 degrees of abduction positions the graft in a physiologic length that mirrors the native superior capsule during mid-range movement. This helps centralize the humeral head and provides restraint when the deltoid is active, supporting stability while still allowing normal external rotation and elevation. If the graft is tensioned too little (lower ranges), it won’t prevent superior translation adequately. If it’s tensioned at higher abduction (30-50 degrees), it can become overly tight in mid-range, risking restricted motion or graft failure.

Therefore, the recommended range is about 20-30 degrees of abduction, which balances stability with preserved range of motion.