Adson's sign 1094651 220048112 2008-06-18T01:19:47Z Riptina 7328844 '''Adson's sign''' is seen during abduction and external rotation at the shoulder, where there is loss of the radial [[pulse]] in the arm. It is often a sign of [[thoracic outlet syndrome]]. Thoracic outlet obstruction may be caused by a number of abnormalities, including degenerative or bony disorders, trauma to the cervical spine, fibromuscular bands, vascular abnormalities, and spasm of the anterior scalene muscle. Symptoms are due to compression of the [[brachial plexus]] and [[subclavian artery|subclavian vasculature]], and consist of complaints ranging from diffuse arm pain to a sensation of arm fatigue, frequently aggravated by carrying anything in the [[ipsilateral]] hand or doing overhead work such as window cleaning. As cited in the literature the Adson's sign is loss of radial pulse while turning the head to the contralateral side, slightly elevating the chin and breathing in. How to perform Adson's Test: With the patient in a sitting position, hands resting on thighs, the examiner palpates both radial pulses as the patient rapidly fills the lungs by deep inspiration and, with breath held, hyperextends the neck and turns the head toward the 'affected' side. If the radial pulse on that side is decidedly or completely obliterated, the result is considered positive. ==See also== * [[White hand sign]] ==References== {{Unreferenced|date=July 2007}} {{med-sign-stub}} [[Category:Medical signs]] [[de:Adson-Test]] [[fr:Manœuvre d'Adson]] Dorlands Medical Dictionary