Morley / Brachial Plexus Compression Test

Execution:

  1. Patient is in upright sitting position
  2. The examiner applies compression to the supraclavicular fossa

 

Positive Outcome: Reproduction of an aching sensation and typical localized paresthesia – not just mere tenderness of the area

Study Reliability Sn Sp LR+ LR-
Watson et al. (2009) NA NA NA NA NA
Comment: In some cases, fullness or even a palpable hard mass may be present in the supraclavicular fossa. This may be an indicator of a true structural lesion potentially creating either vTOS or true nTOS but the mass itself must also be examined to ensure it is not of a more significant nature. Be aware that it is unlikely that this test is able to distinguish between patients with cervical radiculopathy and TOS as it is likely positive in both conditions