Wright's Test (Hyperabduction) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).
How to Perform
- Position: Arm abducted and externally rotated. Head turned away.
- Action: Palpate radial pulse.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Loss of radial pulse.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 32%
- Specificity: 96%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Wright's Test (Hyperabduction) 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 Wright's Test (Hyperabduction) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
