Adsons Test

Other Names

Adsons Test

Demonstration of Adson's Test

• Adson's Test
• Adsons Test
• Adson Test

---

Purpose

• Provocative test in patients with suspected Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• The test is designed to apply compression of the Subclavian Artery by a Cervical Rib or Scalene Muscles

---

Description

• The patients arm is abducted to 30 degrees at the shoulder, and then fully extended
• The examiner maintains palpation of the radial pulse
• The patient then inhales, holds the breath and rotates their head towards the tested extremity
  • Note: Some providers will rotate the head away in a modified version
• The quality of the radial pulse is then compared to the patient at rest
• The test is positive if marked decrease, or disappearance, of the radial pulse
  • Note: Be sure to check pulses in both arms before and after the test

---

Pathology

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Cervical Rib

---

Evidence

• Sensitivity: 94%
• Specificity: 18% - 87%

---

See Also

• Neck Pain (Main)
• Physical Exam Neck

---