Costoclavicular Test

Access our comprehensive guide on the Costoclavicular Test or Eden's test to streamline assessment. Download the free PDF here.

By Patricia Buenaventura on Aug 2, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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What is a Costoclavicular Test?

The Costoclavicular Test is a clinical assessment used to evaluate for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a condition where the neurovascular bundle (subclavian artery, subclavian vein, or brachial plexus) becomes compressed between the clavicle and the first rib. Also called the Eden' test or militart brace test, this is particularly useful for determining whether this compression leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or a diminished radial pulse.

The Eden orthopedic test is indicated for patients who present with symptoms consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome, such as arm or hand pain, numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers, weakness in the arm or hand, swelling or discoloration of the hand, or a sensation of heaviness in the arm during activity. It works by positioning the patient to narrow the costoclavicular space, which may reproduce symptoms or alter blood flow through the subclavian artery. A positive result is indicated by a diminished or absent radial pulse or by the reproduction of symptoms during the test.

The purpose of the Costoclavicular Test is to help identify whether thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by compression of the subclavian artery or vein (vascular TOS) or the brachial plexus (neurogenic TOS). However, this test alone is not definitive and should be used alongside other clinical evaluations, imaging studies, or diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Costoclavicular Test Template

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How to use our Costoclavicular test template ?

Carepatron has created an easy-to-use costoclavicular syndrome test template to assist clinicians in assessing thoracic outlet syndrome and ensuring comprehensive documentation. Follow these steps to utilize the template effectively:

Step 1: Access the template

Access the template directly from this guide by clicking the “Use this template” or “Download” button. Alternatively, you can search for "Costoclavicular Test" in Carepatron's template library, available both on the website and app.

Step 2: Prepare for the test

Before starting the assessment, complete the required fields in the template, including the patient’s name, your name, and the date of the examination. Familiarize yourself with the step-by-step instructions in the template to ensure you conduct the test correctly.

Step 3: Perform and document the test

Conduct the Costoclavicular Test by following the instructions provided in the template. Observe the patient closely for any changes in the radial pulse or reproduction of symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm. Document these findings directly in the template to maintain detailed and accurate records.

Step 4: Interpret the results

Use the template to record your analysis of the test findings. A positive test result is indicated by a diminished or absent radial pulse or the reproduction of symptoms, suggesting possible compression of the neurovascular structures between the clavicle and the first rib. A negative result indicates that thoracic outlet syndrome is less likely.

Step 5: Plan further assessment

The Costoclavicular Test should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, including physical examinations, patient history, and imaging studies, to confirm thoracic outlet syndrome. Use the template to document your recommendations for additional assessments or treatments.

Step 6: Save the template securely

After completing the assessment, store the template securely. Carepatron’s digital patient record system offers a safe and efficient way to manage clinical documentation. If you use a paper copy, ensure it is kept in a secure and confidential location to protect patient privacy.

By using the Costoclavicular Test template, you can streamline the evaluation process, ensure accurate documentation, and provide a high standard of care for your patients.

Benefits of using our Costoclavicular Test template

Here are some of the benefits of using our template:

Saves time

The template’s pre-designed structure streamlines documentation, eliminating the need to start from scratch. It provides a ready-made framework for recording patient details, test steps, and results, allowing you to focus more on conducting the Costoclavicular Test and analyzing findings, while reducing administrative tasks.

Ensures accuracy

With its guided format, the template ensures all key steps of the Costoclavicular Test are properly followed and documented. Detailed prompts for observations, results, and interpretations help create accurate, reliable records that support follow-up care and collaboration with other healthcare providers.

Organized patient records

The template ensures consistent, well-structured documentation, making it easy to monitor patient progress and share information with colleagues. Standardized records improve decision-making and contribute to better patient outcomes.

Easy accessibility

Available on Carepatron’s platform, the template can be accessed digitally or printed for offline use, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your workflow. Its flexibility supports efficient use across various devices and locations.

Commonly asked questions

The Costoclavicular Brace Test, also known as the military brace test, is a clinical assessment used to evaluate thoracic outlet syndrome, specifically costoclavicular syndrome. This condition involves compression of nerves or blood vessels in the costoclavicular interval. During the test, the examiner asks the patient to retract their shoulders and lift their chest into a military posture while monitoring the patient's radial pulse. A positive test is indicated by a weakened or absent pulse and the reproduction of symptoms, suggesting compression in the area.

The elevated arm stress test (EAST) and the costoclavicular maneuver are both used to diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome, but they assess the condition in different ways. The costoclavicular maneuver focuses on compressive forces in the costoclavicular interval, often indicated by a reduction in the patient’s radial pulse. In contrast, EAST involves repetitive arm movements with the arms raised, aiming to provoke subjective complaints such as fatigue, pain, or numbness. While both tests assess similar conditions, EAST is more dynamic, whereas the costoclavicular maneuver focuses on static positioning.

The costoclavicular maneuver is useful for diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome, particularly costoclavicular syndrome, which occurs when nerves or blood vessels are compressed between the clavicle and the first rib. It is also used to evaluate conditions such as the presence of a cervical rib or other abnormalities causing compression. A positive result during this test, such as a reduced or absent radial pulse or reproduction of symptoms, may indicate narrowing in the costoclavicular interval. While valuable, further diagnostic tests are often needed to confirm findings and determine the best course of treatment.