Spinal examination Flashcards
What is the main supporting structure of the human body?
The spinal column.
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
Seven (C1–C7).
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
Twelve (T1–T12).
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
Five (L1–L5).
What is the sacrum composed of?
Five fused vertebrae (S1–S5).
What is the coccyx also known as?
The tailbone.
What should be done before a spine examination?
Introduce yourself, confirm patient details, explain the examination, and gain consent.
Why should a female patient be examined with a nurse present?
For patient comfort and professionalism.
What spinal condition is associated with decreased lumbar lordosis?
Low back pain.
What common finding is seen in neck and shoulder pain?
Cervical lordosis.
What should be inspected during a spine examination?
Posture, symmetry, muscle wasting, scars, swelling.
What condition does café-au-lait spots suggest?
Neurofibromatosis.
What does an abnormal Trendelenburg gait indicate?
Abductor weakness or hip arthritis.
What does a wide-based shuffling gait suggest?
A neurologic disorder.
What is palpation used for in a spine examination?
To check for tenderness and irregularities.
What is the Schober’s test used for?
Assessing lumbar spinal mobility.
How is the FABER test performed?
Flexion, abduction, and external rotation of the hip.
What is a positive Spurling maneuver indicative of?
Nerve root compression.
What is the Lhermitte sign?
Shock-like sensations due to cervical spinal cord compression.
What does the straight leg raise test indicate?
A herniated disk at L4-L5 or L5-S1.
What does a positive femoral stretch test suggest?
Femoral nerve impingement.
What do deep tendon reflexes assess?
Muscle stretch reflexes.
What is the Babinski test used for?
Detecting upper motor neuron disease.
What is ankle clonus indicative of?
Upper motor neuron disease.
What does Hoffmann’s test assess?
Cervical myelopathy.
