Adson test

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The Adson test (also Adson maneuver , after the US neurosurgeon Alfred Washington Adson or thoracic outlet test ) is a method for the detection of certain diseases in the area of ​​the breast entrance ( thoracic outlet syndrome , cervical rib syndrome , hyperabduction syndrome , scalene syndrome ) .

During the procedure, the patient's head is gently turned to the affected side up to the limit of movement and the pulse is recorded at the radial artery at the same time . When the head is turned , the scalene muscles are tensed , through which the subclavian artery and the brachial plexus pass , more precisely between the scalenus medius and the anterior scalenus muscles ("posterior scalenus gap") . The tension in the muscles can be increased by holding your breath with maximum inhalation, since the scalene muscles are part of the auxiliary breathing muscles .

Normally, the radial pulse does not change during this maneuver. With diseases in this area, on the other hand, there is a drop in the radial pulse (positive Adson test) and, under certain circumstances, neurological deficits in the upper extremity.

Original description

  • Adson AW, Coffey JR. Cervical rib: A method of anterior approach for relief of symptoms by division of the scalenus anticus. In: Ann Surg 1927; 85: 839-857. PMID 17865683

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