Spine Flashcards
What are the red flags for serious conditions?
- Fracture
- Tumor infection
- Neurologic compromise
What history correlates to fracture?
Major trauma (or minor trauma in elderly patient) compression frx
What history correlates to tumor or infection?
History of cancer
Constitutional symptoms (fever/chills, weight loss)
Age over 50
What history correlates to neurologic compromise?
Cauda Equina Syndrome- rare but serious surgical emergency
What must be inspected for the spinal exam while the pt is standing?
- Observe Gait Very Important
2. Back alignment/deformity, position of head, shoulder & scapula, “rib hump”
What must be palpated on the spinal exam while the pt is standing?
- Spinous processes
- Paraspinal muscles
- Pelvis level?
- SI joint
* *Check all for pain or spasm
What movements must be performed on the spinal exam while the pt is standing?
- Forward flexion/extension at waist and side to side bending
- Check for scoliosis
What gait test assesses S1 function?
Walk on toes
What gait test assesses L4/5 function?
Walk on heels
What are abnl gait patterns?
- Antalgic
- Trendelenburg
- Short leg
- Foot drop
What physical signs may indicate nerve root tension?
If pt consistently stands w/ one knee bent in spite of equal leg lengths, this may indicate nerve root tension, as knee flexion relieves the pull on the nerve root(s)
What physical signs may indicate prolapsed intervertebral disc causing nerve root compression?
List or tilt
Where on the spine does lordosis occur?
Lumbar region
Where on the spine does kyphosis occur?
Cervical region
What other areas of the body need to be assessed when a pt complains of back pain?
Hip and knee
Define Antalgic
Limp
What needs to be inspected on a spinal exam while seated?
- Observe patient getting on/off table
2. Assess the patient’s posture- any obvious conditions?
What is the landmark for S2?
Level of gluteus medius
What is the landmark for T3?
Spine of the scapula
What is the landmark for T7?
Inferior angle of the scapula?
What is the landmark for L4?
Hip, bottom of lat dorsi
What is the normal angle for the Straight leg raise test?
Nl angle 80-90 deg or higher in pt w/ ligament laxity
One leg at a time
What is a positive straight leg raise?
30-60 deg causes LEG pain, NOT pain in the back!!
What other tests are performed on the spinal exam?
- Strength testing: hip and knee
- Sensation
- Reflexes
- DRE: check tone and senssation
What does a positive SLR indicate?
Herniated disc
Pinched nerve
Herniated disc
What is the sciatic stretch test?
dorsiflex foot, test is positive if additional pain results
What test is used to assess hip or sacroiliac disease?
Faber’s/Patrick’s
Describe how Patrick’s/Faber’s test is performed?
With patient supine, have patient place right ankle on left knee just proximal to patella.
- Stabilize pelvis and sharply, externally rotate hip, with right knee approaching the table.
Repeat for other side.
What reflex tests C-5?
Biceps