Allen's test is useful in evaluating which of the following conditions?
Allen's test is performed to check the patency of radial and ulnar aeries at the wrist. Thus this test is useful in evaluating the integrity of the palmar arch. In this test, the examiner compresses both the radial and ulnar aeries at the wrist and then asks the patient to flex and extend the fingers repetitively. After the hand blanches, pressure is released from the radial aery while compression is maintained on the ulnar aery. The examiner observes how long it takes for each of the fingers to regain its pink color. The test is then repeated for the other aery. Return of the normal pink colour within 5 seconds indicate normal distal aery circulation. Ref: Bailey and Love Sho Practice of Surgery, 25th Edition, Pages 504-05; CURRENT Diagnosis and Treatment in Ohopedics, 4th Edition, Chapter 10; CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 2012, Chapter 24.
Digital blood flow
Presence of cervical rib
Integrity of palmar arch
Thoracic outlet compression