Adson's Maneuver |
Examination type |
Neurological
test (thoracic outlet syndrome) |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
The patient
is either seated or standing. Their arm needs to be easily
accessible to the examiner. |
Examiner Position |
The examiner
stands behind the patient and a little towards the side. The
examiner needs to be able to palpate the radial pulse of the
patient. |
Performing the Test |
The examiner
starts off by palpating for the radial pulse of the patient.
Once the pulse is found, the examiner will abduct, extend, and
externally rotate the patient’s arm. The patient is then
instructed to take a deep breath and turn their hand towards the
involved shoulder. |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Compression
of the thoracic neurovascular bundle, which includes the
brachial plexus and subclavian artery and vein |
Positive Test |
Diminishing
or complete disappearance of the radial pulse indicates a
positive test. |
Interpretation |
A positive
test for the Adson’s maneuver indicates the possibility of
thoracic outlet syndrome. |
Common errors in
performing exam |
A common
error in performing this test is to not continue palpating the
radial pulse as the arm is moved. Also, some may turn the arm
internally instead of externally. |
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
A positive
test may sometimes been found on a person who does not have
thoracic outlet syndrome. |
Related tests |
Roo’s Test,
Wright Test or Maneuver, Costoclavicular Syndrome Test,
Provocative Elevation Test, Shoulder Girdle Passive Elevation,
Halstead Maneuver. |
References |
Booher, James M & Tibideau, Gary (2000) Athletic Injury Assessment
(4th ed). ST. Louis McGraw Hill. Pg.
Magee, David
(2002) Orthopedic Physical Assessment Philadelphia
Saunders. |
Links: |
http://www.tellmeabouttos.com/testing.htm |
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