Shoulder
Thoracic Outlet
Evidence: suggestive
Roos Test (EAST) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing TOS.
How to Perform
- Position: Arms abducted 90°, elbows 90° ('Stick 'em up').
- Action: Open and close hands for 3 minutes.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Inability to continue, ischemic pain, or heaviness.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 84%
- Specificity: 30%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Roos Test (EAST) should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Shoulder region, combining the Roos Test (EAST) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
