Spine Exam

Question 1

what would you inspect in a spinal exam

Answer 1

from front, side and behind
look at skin
deformity? - kyphosis, lordosis, alignment
gait

Question 2

what would you palpate in a spinal exam

Answer 2

spinous processes from top to bottom
sacroiliac joint
paraspinal muscles (either side)
thyroid + cervical lymph nodes

Question 3

what would you move in a spinal exam

Answer 3

cervical flexion - look down at the ground
cervical extension - look at the ceiling
cervical rotation - side to side
cervical lateral flexion - ear to shoulder
lumbar flexion - bend over and touch toes
lumbar extension - lean back as far as possible
lateral lumbar flexion - patient stood straight, measure finger tip to floor, then slide hand down as far as possible and measure again
thoracic rotation - hand crossed on chest and move side to side

Question 4

what is schober’s test

Answer 4

measure 10cm above and 5cm below the posterior superior iliac spine
patient leans far forward as possible then measure distance between two marks - should increase by at least 5cm

Question 5

where should you percuss in a spinal exam

Answer 5

from the root of neck to sacrum

Question 6

what is a straight leg raise test

Answer 6

patient lies supine
hold ankle and raise leg while knee is straight
if pain is felt then positive test

Question 7

what is a bowstring test

Answer 7

flex hip - if pain then flex knee slightly and apply pressure with thumb in popliteal fossa to stretch tibial nerve

Question 8

how would you complete a spinal exam

Answer 8

full neurovascular exam of upper and lower limbs, examine hip and shoulder joins, peripheral pulses, in a patient with lower back pain consider a rectal exam