Wright Test
Purpose[edit | edit source]
Wright test or hyper abduction test is a provocative test for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is thought to implicate the axillary interval (space posterior to pectoralis minor)[1]
Technique[1][2][edit | edit source]
Starting Position[edit | edit source]
the test is performed in the sitting and then in a the supine positions
Procedure
the test is performed in 2steps
- first step:
- head forward,while the arm is passively brought into abduction and external rotation to 90 without tilting the head.
- The elbow is flexed no more than 45. The arm is then held for 1 min
- the tester measure radial pulse and monitor patient symptoms onset
2. seconed step:
- The tester monitors the patient’s symptom onset and the quality of the radial pulse.
- The test is repeated with extremity in hyperabduction (end range of abduction) .
Positive Test
A decrease in the radial pulse and/or reproduction of the patient’s symptoms
The pulse disappearance indicates a positive test result for thoracic outlet syndrome
Evidence[1][edit | edit source]
- Given the numerous possible causes and symptoms associated with TOS, no single test can unequivocally establish the presence or absence of the condition, particularly where sTOS is concerned (Roos, 1982; Lindgren, 1997).
- The classic provocation tests have been reported to be unreliable and frequently positive (up to 90%) for pulse obliteration in healthy patients (Hachulla et al., 1990; Urschel et al., 1994; Rayan and Jensen, 1995; Nannapaneni and Marks, 2003).
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Watson LA, Pizzari T, Balster S. Thoracic outlet syndrome part 1: clinical manifestations, differentiation and treatment pathways. Manual therapy. 2009 Dec 1;14(6):586-95.
- ↑ Magee DJ. Orthopedic physical assessment. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2008.
- ↑ Physiotutors.Wright's Test | Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Available from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6BoVyE_vfE