Roos test
System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
With both arms held up in a 'goalpost' position, the patient opens and closes the hands for up to three minutes; reproduction of arm pain, heaviness or tingling is positive (elevated arm stress test).
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with thoracic outlet syndrome.
◈ Behind the name
David B. Roos, American surgeon, who described the test in 1966.
Related signs — Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs
Browse the R section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.