glenohumeral joint, pec minor, Pectoralis Minor Test, radial pulse, shoulder pain, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, TOS

Purpose

A test to identify thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) due to compression by pectoralis minor.

Technique

Patient is positioned in sitting.

Clinician palpates the pec minor with his proximal hand. (The pec minor is easily palpated by asking the patient to palpate then press into her ASIS. The muscle will pop out at its origin on the coracoid process).

Clinician’s distal hand palpates the patient’s radial pulse.

The Clinician then brings the arm back into abduction, extension, and ER then brings the patient’s shoulder back.

Clinician asks the patient to resist into the movement.

Positive

Obliteration of the radial pulse.

Interpretation

A positive test indicates TOS due to compression by pec minor.

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. Allen’s Test – Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
3. Spurling’s Test
4. Posterior Tibial and Doraslis Pedis Pulses
5. Dorsal Pedal Pulse and Posterior Tibial Artery