Techniques: thoracic outlet syndrome: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Techniques: thoracic outlet syndrome

Sample item

A woman has paraesthesia along the medial forearm and hand, and the radial pulse disappears when she turns her head to the affected side and takes a deep breath. A cervical rib is seen on a radiograph. What is this test?

AAdson test for thoracic outlet syndromeBSpurling testCAllen testDPhalen test

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Adson test for thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome results from compression of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8, T1) and the subclavian vessels by a cervical rib, tight scalene muscles or fibrous bands. The Adson test is positive when the pulse falls on rotation of the head and inspiration.

Option by option

A. Adson test for thoracic outlet syndrome (correct)
Correct. The Adson test is used in thoracic outlet syndrome.
B. Spurling test
The Spurling test is for cervical radiculopathy.
C. Allen test
The Allen test checks arterial patency of the hand.
D. Phalen test
The Phalen test is for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Adson test for thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome results from compression of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus (C8, T1) and the subclavian vessels by a cervical rib, tight scalene muscles or fibrous bands.

Why is "Spurling test" not the answer?

The Spurling test is for cervical radiculopathy.

Why is "Allen test" not the answer?

The Allen test checks arterial patency of the hand.

Why is "Phalen test" not the answer?

The Phalen test is for carpal tunnel syndrome.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Techniques: thoracic outlet syndrome in Orthopaedics. The Adson test is positive when the pulse falls on rotation of the head and inspiration.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Techniques: thoracic outlet syndrome?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.