Understanding the Adson's Test Assessment
To assess for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) due to compression of the neurovascular bundle by the anterior and middle scalene muscles.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting or standing. Examiner monitors the radial pulse.
What happens?
The patient extends the neck and turns the head **toward** the tested side. The examiner simultaneously abducts, extends, and externally rotates the patient's arm slightly. The patient takes a deep breath and holds it. The pulse is re-evaluated.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A diminished or absent radial pulse, and/or reproduction of the patient's symptoms (e.g., paresthesia or pain) in the upper limb.
Helpful Tip:
A modified test exists where the patient turns the head **away** from the tested side (for costoclavicular or other TOS causes).
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other shoulder Tests
Anterior Drawer Test Of The Shoulder
To assess for anterior glenohumeral joint laxity and instability and the integrity of the anterior capsular structures.
Arm Squeeze Test
This is a new clinical test that may be useful to distinguish between Cervical radiculopathy from other shoulders related pathology. The anatomic reasoning behind this test is that because the musculocutaneous nerve (cervical root from C5 to C7), the radial nerve (from C5 to T1), the ulnar nerve (from C7 to T1), and the median nerve (from C5 to T1) are relatively superficial in the middle third of the arm and easy to elicit a painful provocation response by squeezing the arm. A moderate compression of skin, subcutis, and muscle by squeezing the middle third of the upper arm (brachial biceps and triceps area) on the side with shoulder pain elicits an intense reaction of local pain only in patients with cervical nerve root compression from C5 to T1, not when the pain arises from the shoulder.
Bear Hug Test
To assess for a tear or significant weakness in the **subscapularis tendon** (subscapularis strength).
Belly Press Test (or Abdominal Compression Test)
To assess the function and strength of the **subscapularis muscle**, especially in cases where the Lift-Off test is restricted.