Neck Orthopaedic Test: Halstead Test
Jun 04, 2023The Halstead test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess for possible thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). It is named after Dr. Albert Halstead, who first described the test in 1934.
Procedure:
- Instruct the patient to sit upright with their back against a wall, and their arms resting by their sides.
- Palpate the radial pulses on both sides to establish a baseline.
- Instruct the patient to abduct their arm to 90 degrees and then flex the elbow and bring the hand to the opposite shoulder.
- Palpate the radial pulse on the affected side while the patient holds this position for 1 minute.
- Release the position and recheck the radial pulses on both sides to establish the baseline again.
- Compare the strength and presence of the radial pulses on both sides.
- A positive test is indicated by a significant reduction or absence of the radial pulse on the affected side compared to the unaffected side.
References:
- Freischlag JA, Orion K. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a historical perspective. Semin Vasc Surg. 2010 Mar;23(1):4-8. doi: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2009.11.007. PMID: 20206811.
- Arkkila PE, Seppäläinen AM. Diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome. Acta Neurochir Suppl. 2007;100:85-8. doi: 10.1007/978-3-211-69370-0_17. PMID: 17985515.
- Urschel HC Jr. Thoracic outlet syndrome. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1996 Oct;8(4):290-305. PMID: 8926303.
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