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.

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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.