Adsons Test
Other Names
- Adson's Test
- Adsons Test
- Adson Test
- Doppler Adson's 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
- Lee et al[3]
- Sensitivity: 79-100%
- Specificity: 74-89%
See Also
References
- ↑ Image courtesy of learnmuscles.com, "Orthopedic Assessment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – Adson’s, Eden’s, Wright’s"
- ↑ Yuschak, Eric, Furqan Haq, and Stacy Chase. "A case of venous thoracic outlet syndrome: primary care review of physical exam provocative tests and osteopathic manipulative technique considerations." Cureus 11.6 (2019).
- ↑ Lee, A. D., S. Agarwal, and D. Sadhu. "Doppler Adson’s test: predictor of outcome of surgery in non-specific thoracic outlet syndrome." World journal of surgery 30 (2006): 291-292.
Created by:
John Kiel on 21 July 2019 22:18:19
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Last edited:
27 October 2025 23:21:52
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