In the context of assessing thoracic outlet syndrome, which maneuver is not utilized?

The Hobbs maneuver is not a standard test used in the assessment of thoracic outlet syndrome. Instead, the other maneuvers mentioned—hyperabduction of the arms, costoclavicular maneuver, and Adson maneuver—are commonly utilized to evaluate the condition.

To elaborate, the hyperabduction of the arms maneuver is designed to place pressure on the brachial plexus and vascular structures as the arms are elevated to assess for symptoms that indicate thoracic outlet syndrome. Similarly, the costoclavicular maneuver assesses the relationship between the clavicle and the first rib while putting stress on the subclavian artery and lower trunk of the brachial plexus, which can reproduce symptoms if thoracic outlet syndrome is present. The Adson maneuver, which involves assessing the pulse in relation to the position of the head, helps identify vascular compromise associated with thoracic outlet syndrome.

In contrast, the Hobbs maneuver does not specifically address the anatomical relationships or compressive factors involved in thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis, which is why it is not utilized in this context.