Cervical Special Tests

Question 1

What are 4 cervical spine special tests?

Answer 1

1. Cervical Flexion Rotation Test
2. Distraction Test
3. Foraminal Compression Test
4. Vertebral Artery Test

Question 2

What is the Cervical Flexion Rotation Test?

Answer 2

• Pt in supine, the PT fully flexes pt and then rotates each direction while maintaining flexion
• IF teh pt has limited rotation (<45 degrees) then it indicates dysfunction at atlantoaxial joint, also can be used as provacative test for cervicogenic headache

Question 3

What is the Distraction Test?

Answer 3

Place one hand under chin and one hand under the occiput, provide upward distraction

Question 4

What is the Foraminal Compression Test?

Answer 4

Pt in sitting with head laterally flexed

-PT places both hands on top of pt head and provides force downward

Question 5

What is the vertebral artery test?

Answer 5

Pt supine
-PT puts pt in extension, lateral flexion, and rotation to ipislateral side

Positive: dizziness, nystagmus, slurred speech or loss of consciousness