Postures & Planes + Competency

Question 1

Perfect posture exists along the _____ _______, which is a line in the coronal plane through the body

Answer 1

Gravitational line

Question 2

Postural variation characterized by:

Head forward
Exaggerated kyphosis/lordosis
Anterior pelvic shift
Abdomen anterior
Hips slightly flexed

Answer 2

Kypholordotic

Question 3

Postural variation characterized by:

Head forward
Decreased lumbar lordosis
Posterior tilt of pelvis

Answer 3

Swayback

Question 4

Postural variation characterized by:

Head forward
Lower thoracic kyphosis flattening
Lumbar lordosis flattened

Answer 4

Flat back

Question 5

Condition characterized by abnormally depressed lower sternum resulting in compression of structures

Answer 5

Pectus excavatum (funnel chest)

Question 6

Condition characterized by abnormal prominence of sternum anteriorly

Answer 6

Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)

Question 7

The osteopathic postural exam focuses on static and dynamic responses of the body to gravity while in erect position

Describe patient position

Answer 7

Patient stands on level surface without shoes, all extremities in full extension, feet placed 6-8 inches apart with heels in same frontal plane and toes abducted about 15 degrees

Question 8

Important note about physician position during osteopathic postural exam

Answer 8

Physician’s eyes should be at the level of part being viewed