Upgrade to remove ads
Only $35.99/year

Special tests

Terms in this set (12)

Narrowing of the neural foramina can cause referred pain into the ipsilateral arm upon compression of the cervical spine, due to nerve root compression
Spurling test
To test for vertebral insufficiency.

The physician flexes the patient's neck, holding it for ten seconds, then extends the neck holding it for ten seconds. The same is done for head and neck rotation to the right and left.

Positive test results when the patient complains of dizziness, visual changes, lightheadedness, or eye nystagmus occurs
Wallenberg's test
Neurovascular compression by tight scalene muscles

While monitoring the patient's pulse, the arm is extended at the elbow, the shoulder is extended, externally rotated, and slightly abducted. The patient is then asked to take a deep breath and turn his/her head toward the ipsilateral arm.

The test is positive with a severely decreased or absent radial pulse
Adson's test
Neurovascular bundle compromised as it passes under the pectoralis minor muscle at the coracoid process.

This test entails hyperabducting the arm above the head with some extension.

The test is positive with a severely decreased or absent radial pulse.
Wright's test (aka arm hyperextension test)
Neurovascular bundle can be compromised between the clavicle and the first rib.

The examiner palpates the radial pulse while depressing and extending the shoulder.

The test is positive with a severely decreased or absent radial pulse.
Costoclavicular syndrome test (aka Military Posture Test)
Used to evaluate the range of motion of the shoulder
Apley's scratch test
This test detects tear in the rotator cuff
Drop arm test
the patient is instructed to abduct the shoulder to 90 degrees, and then slowly lower the arm.

A positive test results if the patient cannot lower the arm smoothly, or if the arm drops to the side from 90 degrees
Drop arm test
assesses the biceps tendon in the bicipital groove
Speed's test
The patient fully extends the elbow, flexes the shoulder and supinates the forearm. The physician resists the flexion of the shoulder.

A positive test occurs with tenderness in the bicipital groove
Speed's test
determines the stability of the biceps tendon in the bicipital groove
Yergason's Test
The patient flexes the elbow to 90 degreees while the physician grasps the elbow with one hand and the wrist with the other hand. While pulling downward on the patient's elbow, the physician externally rotates the forearm as the patient resists this motion.

A positive test results when pain is elicited as the biceps tendon pops out of the bicipital groove.
Yergason's Test
Students also viewed