Pronator Teres Syndrome Test: How to Check for Median Nerve Compression

The Pronator Teres Syndrome Test is a special test for the forearm used to check for compression of the median nerve as it passes through the pronator teres muscle. Click the sections below for details on how to perform it.

1. Purpose

The primary purpose is to **test for** Pronator Teres Syndrome. This is a condition where the Median Nerve is compressed as it passes between the two heads of the pronator teres muscle in the forearm.

2. How to Perform

1. The patient is positioned in sitting, with their elbow flexed to 90 degrees.
2. The examiner stabilizes the patient's elbow with one hand.
3. The examiner places their other hand on the patient's wrist/hand to provide resistance.
4. The examiner instructs the patient to "Try to turn your palm down" (pronate the forearm).
5. As the patient actively pronates against resistance, the examiner simultaneously and passively extends the patient's elbow.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive test (indicating nerve compression) is:

• Reproduction of the patient's familiar neurological symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, or pain, in the median nerve distribution (the first three fingers and forearm).

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is the absence of these neurological symptoms. The patient may feel muscular effort, but no tingling or numbness.