Thoracic and lumbar Spine Special Tests

Question 1

List all thoracic spine special tests.

Answer 1

1. Rib springing

2. Thoracic spring

Question 2

List all lumbar spine special tests.

Answer 2

1. Slump Test
2. SLR
3. Femoral nerve traction test
4. Valsalva’s maneuver
5. Prone instability test
6. Quadrant test
7. Bicycle (Van Gelderen’s Test)
8. Crossed SLR

Question 3

A therapist decides to use the bicycle test to differentiate between what to pathology’s?

Answer 3

1. Intermittent claudication and spinal stenosis

If due to spinal stenosis, patient will be able to ride bike longer while slumped

Question 4

Cross-legged SLR is used to identify what?

Answer 4

identifies herniated nucleus pulposis or neural tension/radiculopathy