glenohumeral joint, radial pulse, shoulder pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, TOS

Purpose

A test to identify thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) due to compression by the posterior scalene.

Technique

Patient is positioned in sitting.

Clinician distal hand palpates the radial pulse.

Clinician abducts, extends, and ER the arm.

Clinician asks the patient to turn her head away from the arm being test, elevate her chin, take a deep breath in, and hold it.

Positive

Obliteration of the radial pulse.

Interpretation

A positive test indicates TOS due to compression by the posterior scalene on the side being tested.

References

1. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Related videos:

1. Adson’s Test – Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
2. Pectoralis Minor Test – Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
3. Posterior Tibial and Doraslis Pedis Pulses
4. Dorsal Pedal Pulse and Posterior Tibial Artery
5. Spurling’s Test