Purpose of Brachial Plexus Tension Test: To determine if there are neurologic symptoms when the arms are abducted and laterally rotated.

Patient position: Sitting upright with back unsupported and with arms beside the trunk.

Examiner position: Standing behind the patient.

Procedure: This test is performed in a few steps: (1) The patient raises both arms sideways and then externally rotates the arms until neurologic symptoms are felt on the arms; (2) then, the patient slowly lowers both arms down until the symptoms disappear; (3) then, the examiner supports the patients’ both arms (just above elbows) in the position in which the symptoms disappeared; (4) then, the patient bends both elbows and places both hands behind the head.

Outcome: The test is positive if the neurologic symptoms returned on flexing elbows and on keeping hands behind the head.  A positive brachial plexus tension test usually indicates cervical radiculopathy.

Reference:

1. Evans RC. Illustrated Orthopedic Physical Assessment: Mosby/Elsevier; 2009.
2. Magee DJ. Orthopedic physical assessment-E-Book: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2014.