Exam

Adson's Test

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Adson's Test, Adson Maneuver

  • Indications
  1. Evaluation of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Technique
  1. Step 1
    1. Elbow fully extended
    2. Palpate radial pulse
  2. Step 2
    1. Patient rotates their head/chin to the affected/tested side
    2. Neck fully extended
    3. Abduct arm to 30 degrees and fully extend arm back
  3. Step 3
    1. Patient takes a deep breath and holds it
    2. Palpate radial pulse
  • Interpretation
  1. Positive test findings
    1. Decreased Radial Pulse with maneuver
    2. Distal extremity pain reproduced
  2. Positive test suggests interscalene compression
    1. Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Disadvantages
  1. Some False Positive tests
  • Resources
  1. Student Physical Therapist
    1. https://www.thestudentphysicaltherapist.com/adsons-test.html
  • References
  1. Mallon and Shoenberger in Herbert (2019) EM:Rap 19(2): 13-15