Arm Squeeze Test

Original Editor - Fasuba Ayobami

Top Contributors - Anthonia Abraham, Kim Jackson, Fasuba Ayobami, Vidya Acharya, George Prudden and Claire Knott

Definition

Arm Squeeze Test is a clinical test used to distinguish cervical nerve root compression from shoulder disease in case of doubtful diagnosis. Nerve compression syndrome is typically agitated when squeezed or compacted.

Clinical Relevant Anatomy

The Cervical Nerves are spinal nerves originating from the cervical vetebra. Through the Brachial plexus, theses nerves communicate via the cervicoaxillary canal in the neck and armpit region. The cervical nerves are responsible for sensation and motor function of muscles. this includes the arm muscles.

These nerves are suspictable to compression by internal and external causes, resulting to a cervical root compression.

For more detailed information ON THE ANATOMY OF THE NERVE ION SHOULDER

Purpose

This is a new clinical test that may be useful to distinguish between Cervical radiculopathy from other shoulder related pathology

Technique

• The examiner stands behind the patient
• then squeezes the middle third of the patient's upper arm with thumb (examiner) on 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 middle third of upper arm compared with acromioclavicular joint and subacromial area.

Evidence

Table 1: Shows the diagnostic properties of Arm Squeeze test

Sensitivity	Specificity	Negative Likelihood ratios	Positive Likelihood ratios
0.96 (0.85 - 0.99)	0.96 (0.87 - 0.99)	24 (6.5 - 99)	0.04 (0.01 - 0.17)