User:Hopeless308/brachialstretchtest

Brachial Plexus Stretch Test

Purpose

The brachial plexus stretch test should replicate the patient’s symptoms if there is a traction injury or a compression injury.

Procedure

The patient should be sitting while the examiner stands behind the patient and puts one hand on the side of the patient's head and the other hand on the shoulder on the same side. Laterally flex the head while applying slight downward pressure on shoulder.

Results

Test is positive if pain radiates into arm opposite to the laterally flexed neck. If pain is in the neck on the side towards lateral flexion there may be a pinched nerve or facet joint impingement. If pain is on the side opposite lateral flexion there is tension (stretching) of the brachial plexus.

Adverse Affects (or "Legal Issues")

Brachial plexus neurapraxia Do not perform test if cervical fracture or dislocation is suspected.

Reference

Konin, Jeff G., Denise L. Wiksten, Jerome A. Isear, and Holly Brader. Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination. 3rd ed. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Incorporated. 2006. 76. Print.

Starkey, Chad, Sara D. Brown, and Jefferey L. Ryan. Orthopedic and Athletic Injury Evaluation Handbook. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis. 2010. 371. Print.