Spinal Examination

Question 1

Spinal Examination - Inspection

Answer 1

Inspect the patient standing from the front, side and back.
Look for normal cervical and lumbar lordoses.
Inspect their gait.

Question 1

Spinal Examination - Move

Answer 1

Cervical
- Flexion
- Extension
- Lateral Flexion
- Rotation
Thoracic + Lumbar
- Flexion
- Extension
- Lateral Flexion
- Rotation
Schober’s Test

Question 2

How to perform Schober’s Test?

Answer 2

Mark a 15cm line on the back - 10cm above and 5cm below the posterior superior iliac spine. Ask the patient to flex the spine maximally and remeasure.

Question 3

Spinal Examination - Feel

Answer 3

Palpate the spinous processes and paraspinal muscles as well as percussion of the processes.

Question 4

Spinal Examination - Conclusion

Answer 4

Full Neurological Examination of upper and lower limbs.
Peripheral Pulses
Shoulder or Hip Examination.
Thank the patient and request them to redress and wash your hands.