Purpose

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The Roos test is a clinical test that identifies the presence of thoracic outlet syndrome of neurologic or vascular etiology. [1]

Procedure

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The subject sits or stands with both shoulders in 90 degrees of abduction and external rotation, and the elbows in 90 degrees of flexion.[2] The examiner stands in front of the patient. The patient rapidly opens and closes both hands for 3 minutes. [1]

Mechanism

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The rapid opening and closing of the hands should reproduce the patient’s symptoms: fatigue, heaviness, numbness and tingling, and possibly overt weakness. [3]

Results

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The inability to maintain the test position, diminished motor function of the hands, and/or loss of sensations in the upper extremities are indicative of thoracic outlet syndrome secondary to neurovascular compromise. [2]

Adverse Effects

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This test evaluates both neural and vascular structures and is considered to be the most accurate clinical test for assessing thoracic outlet syndrome. An examiner may find muscle fatigue present when performing the Roos test for an otherwise healthy population and should therefore use caution when documenting such findings with potential pathologically involved subjects. [2]

History

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The Roos test was first described in 1976 by Roos. [4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Starkey C, Brown SD, and Ryan, J. Orthopedic and Athletic Injury Examination Handbook. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis, 2010; 14:375. Print.
  2. ^ a b c Konin, JG, Wiksten DL, Isear JA, and Brader, H. Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination. 3rd ed. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Incorporated, 2006; 3:81-2. Print.
  3. ^ Roos D. Congenital anomalies associated with thoracic outlet syndrome: anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Am J Surg, 1976; 132:771-8.
  4. ^ Akuthota V, and Herring SA. Nerve and Vascular Injuries in Sports Medicine. New York, NY: Springer, 2009; 4:57 Print.
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