Clinical Examination of Head, Neck, and Spine

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing key terms and concepts from the lecture notes.

Adams's Forward Bend Test

Forward bending test to check for scoliosis; can detect functional scoliosis

Schober's Test

A test in which the distance between two lines on the back should increase to 15cm during full flexion. Less than a 5cm increase is a positive test and indicates reduced lumbar flexion.

Bamboo Spine

Margins of disc spaces are ossified and sacroiliac joints are fused and hard to see

SI Joint Distraction Tests

Distraction tests which stress the anterior sacroiliac ligaments and indicates SIJ dysfunction or sprain if positive

FABER Test

Test that attempts to reproduce pain in the hip, lumbar spine, or sacroiliac region/ SI joints. Also known as figure of 4 test or Patrick’s Test.

Gaenslen’s Test

Test to detect SIJ / lumbar spine musculoskeletal disorders where torque is applied to the pelvis. A positive test can also indicate hip pathology, pubic symphysis instability, or an L4 nerve root lesion.

Spurling's Test

A provocative test of radiculopathy involving neck extension, lateral flexion, and compression.

Cervical Distraction Test

Test for cervical radiculopathy syndrome. A positive test is the reduction or elimination of symptoms with traction.

Naffziger's Test

Test used to evaluate cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine for radiculopathy (nerve root compression). Positive if pain is brought on by the test due to increased intrathecal pressure.

L’Hermitte’s Sign

Sign where dorsal column pathways are stretched by neck flexion, resulting in shooting pain (like electric shock) radiating down upper limbs.

Kernig's sign

Sign: The appearance of resistance or pain during extension of the patient's knee beyond 135°

Brudzinski’s sign

Sign: knees and hips flex in response to passive neck flexion

Slump Test

Test designed to reproduce the patient's symptoms by stretching the nerve roots.

Hoover’s Test

Test for alleged weakness by checking resisted active movement; assesses pressure under the heel of the contralateral limb.

Beevor’s Sign

Inferior (sub-umbilical) part of rectus abdominis is malfunctioning or denervated. Umbilicus moves in rostral direction.

Hoffman Reflex, Babinski Reflex, Clonus, Hyperreflexia, Hypertonus

Upper motor neurone lesion signs

Adson's Test

Testing for thoracic outlet syndrome. Radial pulse disappears when subclavian artery is stressed