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Adsons Test
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Other Names

Demonstration of Adson's Test[1]
- 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
Evidence
- Sensitivity: 94% [2]
- Specificity: 18% - 87%
See Also
References
Created by:
John Kiel on 21 July 2019 22:18:19
Authors:
Last edited:
27 March 2023 22:56:42
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