Screening and evaluation of lower trunk

Question 1

When comparing iliac crest height to greater trochanter height:

Answer 1

If they are the same, then it indicates a leg length discrepancy (very uncommon)
If there is a difference between the 2, it indicates a pelvic girdle issue (very common).

Question 2

Components of LT screen

Answer 2

Cervical rotation
Shoulder abduction
Iliac crest and trochanter height
Passive trunk rotation
Physiological motions of lumbar spine (flexion, sidebend, pelvic shear, quadrants)
Functional testing: VCT, EFT, LPM
Slump and extension sitting
Knee tracking
Gait pattern evaluation

Question 3

Sidebending evaluates

Answer 3

fold/lengthening of soft tissues, spinal structures. use hand mark on leg to measure

Question 4

Pelvic shear assesses

Answer 4

Neutral mechanics of the lumbar spine and motion of pelvic girdle and hips.

Question 5

Efficient motion of the lumbar spine occurs without

Answer 5

limitation of pelvic motion–should be springy and = from side to side.
rotation of the pelvis w/ respect to the shoulders.
tipping of the shoulders or sidebending (if shoulders do not remain level, this indicates an issue above TL junction)

Question 6

Extension diagonals give us information about

Answer 6

facet compression
foramina closure
posterior tissue folding, anterior lengthening
Posterior ligament compression
Presence of herniated discs.

Question 7

Flexion diagonals tell us about

Answer 7

discs, facets, foramina for facet gapping
Anterior folding and posterior lengthening
Presence of bulging discs.

Question 8

Leg length testing is performed

Answer 8

To determine if a shoe lift will enhance function or decrease sx.

Question 9

When evaluating leg length testing w/ lift, assess:

Answer 9

is pain reduced?
Motor recruitment improvments and postural improvements from functional tests
ROM through pelvic shear
Knee tracking and gait
And whether the body shifts to that side when lift taken out.

Question 10

Slump sitting

Answer 10

assesses dural mobility, pain production, and tension through spinal flexion and LE extension.
neck flexes, knee extends, ankle dorsiflexes.
Use assisting hand to palpate for development of tension in sacrum, spine to ID restrictions.

Question 11

Extension sitting

Answer 11

Might want to assess for ppl w/ extension MOI, manually hold back in extension.