C Spine Exam

Question 1

Outline C Spine Inspection

Answer 1

1. alignment
2. lordosis/kyphosis
3. spasm, swelling, wasing, asymmetry, crooked resting position
4. C7 bump
   - check all angles; anteiror, posterior, laterally

Question 2

ROM tests for C spine:

Answer 2

FERL
F; flex (chin to chest)
E; extend (look up at sky)
R; rotation (no)
L; lateral flexion (ear to shoulder)

Question 3

Palpation protocol (and what are you palpating for)

Answer 3

(TPS SpIL) 
Palpate for tenderness of muscle spasm:
1. trapezius
2. paraspinous muscles
3. sternocleidomastoids

then palpate for tenderness and crepitation:

1. spinous process
2. interspinous ligament

Question 4

Strength test

Answer 4

same as ROM but against resistance (FERL)

• flexion
• extension
• lateral flexion
• rotation.
• the resisted motion needs to hold for 5 seconds.

Question 5

the brachioradialis reflex tests which cervical vertebrae?

Answer 5

C5-C6.
- elicited by palpating the brachioradialis tendon 4 inches proximal to its inception in the rist. Will see slight twitch.

Question 6

the biceps reflex tests which cervical vertebrae?

Answer 6

C5-C6

• elicited by striking the biceps brachia tendon in the antecubital fossa with a reflex hammer.
• arm must be relaxed and the elbows slightly flexed.
• often, the arm is resting on the patients thigh

Question 7

the triceps reflex tests which cervical vertebrae?

Answer 7

C7-C8

• elicited by striking the triceps tendon with a reflex hammer
• creates a reflex contraction of the triceps muscles
• hold the patients arm out and let the elbow hang loose whil striking the tricep tendon.

Question 8

order of C spine exam

Answer 8

1. inspection; all sides (ALKWSSS,C7)
2. ROM: FERL
3. Palpation: (tenderness and spasm: TPS), (tenderness and crepitation: SpIL)
4. Strength: FERL
   5: Reflexes: brachioradialis (c5-6), biceps (C5-6), triceps (C7-8)