The Adson's maneuver tests for compression of which artery?

The Adson's maneuver tests for compression of which artery?

• A. Carotid
• B. Radial
• C. Axillary
• D. Artery (subclavian)

Answer: (D)

Adson's maneuver is used to detect vascular compression at the thoracic outlet, specifically involving the subclavian artery as it passes between the scalene muscles and over the first rib. During the maneuver, the patient extends and rotates the head toward the tested side while taking a deep breath, and the clinician palpates the radial pulse. A notable decrease or loss of the radial pulse indicates that the subclavian artery is being compressed in that area, which is how vascular thoracic outlet syndrome is identified. The carotid artery isn’t the target of this test, and while the radial pulse is used to gauge flow, the issue being tested is arterial flow in the subclavian region, not the axillary artery itself.

Adson's maneuver is used to detect vascular compression at the thoracic outlet, specifically involving the subclavian artery as it passes between the scalene muscles and over the first rib. During the maneuver, the patient extends and rotates the head toward the tested side while taking a deep breath, and the clinician palpates the radial pulse. A notable decrease or loss of the radial pulse indicates that the subclavian artery is being compressed in that area, which is how vascular thoracic outlet syndrome is identified. The carotid artery isn’t the target of this test, and while the radial pulse is used to gauge flow, the issue being tested is arterial flow in the subclavian region, not the axillary artery itself.