10 Lumbar Joint Dysfunction

Question 1

A diagnosis that emphasizes structural damage of specific tissue

Answer 1

Pathoanatomical

Question 2

A diagnosis that emphasizes tissue behavior and triggers a specific manual therapy

Answer 2

Biomechanical diagnosis

Question 3

What type of diagnosis is usually primary?

Answer 3

Pathoanatomical, except when billing Medicare

Question 4

A clinical diagnosis for a spinal joint complex disorder presenting with pain and/or altered function that may be amenable to manipulation

Answer 4

Lumbar segmental joint dysfunction

Question 5

What does the P in PART stand for?

Answer 5

Pain - static or motion palpation of segmental bony or soft tissue is tender

Question 6

What does the A in PART stand for?

Answer 6

Asymmetry - misalignment of various landmarks

Question 7

What does the R in PART stand for?

Answer 7

Range of motion - altered movement based on SROM

Question 8

What does the T in PART stand for?

Answer 8

Tissue change - tone temperature texture of paraspinal tissue

Question 9

To document the presence of a subluxation using Medicare’s PART
mnemonic, at least two examination findings must be present. Which ones?

Answer 9

either asymmetry/misalignment or
range of motion abnormality
+
pain/tenderness or associated tissue characteristics

Question 10

The presence of what would indicated that joint dysfunction is insufficient as a primary diagnosis

Answer 10

Nerve root involvement

Need to search for additional pathoanatomical diagnoses such as herniation, stenosis etc.