Neurodynamic Tests

Question 1

Straight Leg Raise

Answer 1

Looks at sciatic nerve, lumbar radicular syndrome
Pt supine, passively lift straight leg into max hip flexion, bring leg down and add dorsiflexion then lift leg again, add flexed neck.
watch out for discomfort
+ive if symptoms reproduce within 35-70 degrees, decreased range with dorsiflexion

Question 2

Slump Test

Answer 2

Maximal stretch of vertebral canal and foramen, looks at sciatic nerve.
Sit on edge of plinth, legs hanging off, hands behind back, max slump in lumbar spine, bring chin to chest, extend knee of symptomatic side, add passive dorsiflexion and neck flexion over pressure
+ive if nerve symptoms reproduce

Question 3

Prone Knee Bend

Answer 3

Looks at femoral nerve, lumbar radicular syndrome, L3/L4 disc herniation, root compression
Pt prone, flex knee fully, can add passive hip extension at 90 flexion
+ive is nerve pain reproduces

Question 4

Passive Neck Flexion

Answer 4

Tests sciatic nerve
pt supine, passively put pt into full neck flexion
+ive if symptoms reproduce

Question 5

Upper Limb Tension Test 1 (ULTT 1)

Answer 5

Tests for median nerve/ brachial plexus, cervical radiculopathy, nerve root C5-C7
Pt supine, abduct arm, flex elbow 90, supinate, laterally rotate shoulder, extend writst and fingers, slowly extend elbow, add in lateral neck flexion
Neck flexion to same side = compression - nerve root problem, flexion away = stretch - distal issue
+ive if symptoms reproduce, decreased mobility on affected side

Question 6

Upper Limb Tension Test 2 (ULTT 2)

Answer 6

Tests median nerve
Abduct arm slightly, flex elbow, supinate forearm, extend wrist and fingers, slowly extend elbow, add lateral neck flexion
+ive if symptoms reproduce

Question 7

Upper Limb Tension Test 3 (ULTT 3)

Answer 7

Tests radial nerve
10 abduction, 90 elbow flexion, internally rotate on extension, pronate forearm, flex fingers and wrist, slowly extend elbow, add lateral neck flexion
+ive if symptoms reproduce

Question 8

Upper Limb Tension Test 4 (ULTT 4)

Answer 8

Tests ulnar nerve, nerve roots C8-T1
90 abduction, 90 elbow flexion, pronate arm, extend fingers and wrist, laterally rotate shoulder, slowly bring fingers to ear, add lateral neck flexion
+ive if symptoms reproduce