T-Spine Examination

Question 1

list common functional limitations that may be present in individuals suffering from any T-spine related disease/disorder

Answer 1

1. reaching behind body
2. reaching OH
3. pushing/pulling
4. lifting
5. respiration/exertion

Question 2

what does the Traditional Cobb Method measure? how?

Answer 2

angle of thoracic kyphosis

perpendicular extensions of lines drawn from superior border of T4 and inferior border of T9

Question 3

what disorders may be readily observable during the visual inspection of a T-Spine exam?

Answer 3

1. Dowager’s hump
2. Ankylosing Spondylitis
3. Scheuermann’s disease
4. Pectus Carinatum
5. Pectus Excavatum
6. Barrel chest

Question 4

what elimination special tests exist for T-Spine related clinical presentations?

Answer 4

1. Percussion test
2. Wright’s test
3. Adam’s forward flexion test

Question 5

List resistance testing that will be conducted during structural stress testing of the T-Spine

Answer 5

1. Flexion/Extension
2. Rotation
3. Lateral Flexion
4. Trunk flexion/extension/rotation
5. Scapulothoracic musculature:
   
   • Mid/lower trap
   • SA

Question 6

Joint mobility testing of the T-Spine includes what 2 procedures?

Answer 6

1. PPIVM
   
   • Passive Physiological IV Mobiltity Testing
2. PAIVM
   
   • Passive Accessory IV Mobility Testing

Question 7

what is the difference between PAIVM and PPIVM?

Answer 7

PAIVM are accessory motions that cannot be performed grossly (they are glides)

PPIVMs are physiologic gross motions like flexion/extension

Question 8

List special confirmation tests that can be performed during a T-spine examination

Answer 8

1. Roo’s Test
2. Hyperabduction Test
3. Adson’s test
4. Cervical rotation lateral flexion test
5. 1st rib spring test
6. Thoracic slump test

Question 9

which confirmation/special tests are for TOS?

Answer 9

1. Roo’s tests
2. Hyperabduction test
3. Adson’s test

Question 10

which confirmation/special tests are for restricted 1st rib?

Answer 10

1. cervical rotation lateral flexion test
2. 1st rib spring test

Question 11

which confirmation/special tests are for disc/sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 11

thoracic slump test