What is the only assessment indicated for an acute stage GH dislocation?

In the context of an acute stage GH (glenohumeral) dislocation, the focus is on assessing the joint without placing undue stress on the injured tissues. Active free range of motion (AF-ROM) is the most appropriate assessment because it allows the patient to engage in movement that they can control, providing valuable information about their current functional capabilities and pain levels.

During the acute phase, the primary concern is to avoid further injury while determining the extent of the dislocation and the patient's range of motion. AF-ROM assessment can be performed within a pain-free range, which is critical in this situation. It helps practitioners gauge how the patient can actively move the joint without discomfort, ensuring safety in evaluating the overall situation.

On the other hand, passive range of motion (PR-ROM) entails someone else moving the joint, which could exacerbate pain or further damage the tissues. Strength testing and manual muscle testing would not be suitable in the acute stage since these approaches require more stability and strength that the injured joint may not possess at that time. Therefore, AF-ROM is the optimal choice for assessing an acute GH dislocation, focusing on safety and functional movement.