Arm Squeeze Test: Difference between revisions

(Updated categories)
(Corrected information in table)
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!Sensitivity
!Sensitivity
!Specificity
!Specificity
!Negative Likelihood ratios  
!Positive Prognastic value
!Positive Likelihood ratios
!Negative Prognastic value
!Abnormal test Likelihood ratios
!Normal test Likelihood ratios
|-
|-
|0.96 (0.85 - 0.99)
|0.96 (0.85 - 0.99)
|0.96 (0.87 - 0.99)
|0.96 (0.87 - 0.99)
|0.95 (0.87 to 0.97)
|0.99 (0.9 to 1)
|24 (6.5 - 99)
|24 (6.5 - 99)
|0.04 (0.01 - 0.17)
|0.04 (0.01 - 0.17)

Revision as of 19:45, 30 November 2022

Definition[edit | edit source]

Arm Squeeze Test is a clinical test used to distinguish cervical nerve root compression from shoulder disease in case of doubtful diagnosis.[1] Nerve compression syndrome is typically agitated when the middle third of the upper arm is squeezed or compacted.

Clinical Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The Cervical Nerves are spinal nerves originating from the cervical vetebra[2]. Through the Brachial plexus, these nerves communicate via the cervical-axillary canal in the neck and armpit region. The cervical nerves are responsible for the sensation and motor function of muscles, including the nerves that supply muscles in the arm.

These nerves can be compressed by internal and external causes, resulting in a cervical root compression.

For more detailed information on anatomy of the Cervical nerves

Purpose[edit | edit source]

This is a new clinical test that may be useful to distinguish between Cervical radiculopathy from other shoulders related pathology[1]

Technique[edit | edit source]

  • The examiner stands behind the patient
  • Squeezes the middle third of the patient's upper arm with the thumb (examiner) on the patient's triceps while the rest of the fingers is on the patient's biceps
  • With a moderate compression (5.9 to 8.1kg)

It is positive if the patient reports 3 or higher on VAS with pressure on the middle third of the upper arm compared with the acromioclavicular joint and subacromial area.[1][3]

[4]

This is a video illustrating how to perform the Arm squeeze test.

Evidence[edit | edit source]

Table 1: Shows the diagnostic properties of Arm Squeeze test[1]
Sensitivity Specificity Positive Prognastic value Negative Prognastic value Abnormal test Likelihood ratios Normal test Likelihood ratios
0.96 (0.85 - 0.99) 0.96 (0.87 - 0.99) 0.95 (0.87 to 0.97) 0.99 (0.9 to 1) 24 (6.5 - 99) 0.04 (0.01 - 0.17)

Related Tests[edit | edit source]

Reference[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Gumina S, Carbone S, Albino P, Gurzi M, Postacchini F. Arm Squeeze Test: a new clinical test to distinguish neck from shoulder pain. European Spine Journal, 2013;1558–1563.
  2. Joshua W, Vamsi R, Bruno B.Anatomy, Head and Neck, Cervical Nerves. StatPearls.
  3. Joshua C, Shane K, Jonathan S. Netter's Orthopaedic Clinical Examination. USA: Elsevier, 2015.
  4. Physiospot. Arm Squeeze Test. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rROAZDrAYUk [last accessed 7/10/2020]