Wright’s Test (Hyperabduction test)

A special test for thoracic outlet syndrome

Authors
Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Tests for thoracic outley syndrome occurring at the Thoraco-coraco-pectoral gate1.

Technique

  • Patient position: Relaxed sitting
  • Clinician palpates radial pulse
  • Ask patient to rotate head contralaterally
  • Ask patient to raise arm into hyperabduction
  • Help for 1-2 min

Scoring

  • Positive Test
    • (+) Reproduction of paresthesia
    • (+) Decrease in the radial pulse

References

1.
Hooper TL, Denton J, McGalliard MK, Brismée JM, Sizer PS. Thoracic outlet syndrome: A controversial clinical condition. Part 1: Anatomy, and clinical examination/diagnosis. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2010;18(2):74-83. doi:10.1179/106698110X12640740712734

Citation

For attribution, please cite this work as: