Spine Flashcards
C6
Wrist extensors
C5
Elbow flexor
C7
Elbow extensors
C8
Finger flexors (distal phalanx of middle finger)
T1
Finger abduction (little finger)
L2
Hip flexion
L3
Knee extension
L4
Ankle dorsiflexion
L5
Big toe extension
S1
Ankle plantar flexion
S4-S5
Anal contraction
Knee jerk
L4
Ankle jerk
S1
Bulbocavernosus
S2-S3
Spurling
Axial load, then laterally flex and rotate neck
Radiating pain indicates nerve root compression
Distraction test
Upward distracting force
Relief of symptoms indicates foraminal compression of nerve root
Kernig
Supine, flex neck
Pain in or radiating to legs indicate meningeal irritation
Brudzinski
Supine, flex neck, flex hip
Pain reduction with knee flexion indicates meningeal irritation
Straight leg
Flex hip to pain, dorsiflex foot
Symptoms reproduced (pain radiating below knee) indicative of radiculopathy
Straight leg 90/90
Supine, flex hip and knee 90, extend knee
> 20 flexion = tight hamstring
Bowstring
Raise leg, flex knee, popliteal press
Radicular pain with popliteal pressure indicates sciatic nerve
Sitting root (flip sign)
Seated, distract patient, passively extend knee
Patient with sciatic pain will arch/flip backward when knee extended
Forward bending
Standing, bend at waist
Assymetry of back is indicative of scoliosis
Hoover
Supine, hand under heels, patient then raises one leg
Pressure should be felt under opposite heel. No pressure indicates lack of effort, not true weakness