Thoracic/Lumbar/Pelvic Flashcards
Amoss Sign
Observe patient rise from side lying position to sitting. Looking if pm uses upper body strength to assist and signs of pain.
Note location of pain
Beevors Sign
Observe umbilicus while pm lying supine, does slight crunch and leg lift.
Umbilicus will deviate in opposite direction of weakness.
Chest expansion test
Use tape to measure, wrap around level of 4th intercostal space. Ask pm to inhale and exhale maximally.
Less than 1.25”: may have spinal ankylosis, rib fracture, sprain/strain…
Forestier Bowstring Sign
Observe ROM while pm laterally bends side to side.
+: muscle spasm, AS, pain inhibiting motion, stacking
Note location of pain
Rib motion test
Place both hands on pm chest At sternocostal angle while pm lying supine. Observe movement of ribs as pm inhales/exhales.
Rib fixed expiration: elevated rib
Rib fixed inspiration: depressed rib
Indicates rib sublux, muscle strain, pleuritis, fracture, arthritides
Adams Position
Observe any changes is scoliosis as the patient flexes forward at waist. Keep hands in prayer position to touch the floor.
Scoliosis disappears: functional
Scoliosis remains: structural
Bragards Sign
If pm has +SLR lower leg 5* and dorsiflex foot. Causes traction of Tibial nerve.
+: reproduction or increase of leg pain
Note location of pain
Sicards sign
If + SLR and Bragards then: dorsiflex big toe.
Irritation of the L5 nerve root MC, sometimes L4/S1.
Note location of pain
Bechterews test (seated SLR)
Seated with back straight (as if against a wall), extend leg at knee. If no pain doc applies downward pressure above knee while pm lefts leg against resistance.
Used to confirm SLR
Note location of pain
Slump test
Seated with back maximally slumped(?). Start with knee at 90* and max ankle dorsiflexion. Extend the leg
If +: suspect disc bulge or herniation.
Note location of pain
Crossed SLR
Perform CSLR on asymptomatic side.
*Post.medial disc bulge: + same level/angle as SLR or herniation
Post.lateral disc bulge: + increased angle comp. to SLR
Fajerztajns Test
CSLR then lowers leg 5* and dorsiflex foot.
Post.medial disc bulge or herniation if +
Post.lateral disc bulge if pain at greater angle
Cox Sign
Happens during SLR.
Pm will raise ipsilateral hip to alleviate pain.
+: SOL, IVF encroachment, radiculopathy, nerve root, tension, sciatica
Ely’s Test
Prone. Attempt to touch heel to contralateral butt. Pain in ant thigh or groin area.
Radiating pain: Femoral nerve root or upper L nerve root compression
Localized pain: quad muscle contracture
Note location of pain
Femoral nerve Traction Test
Affected side up, bottom leg straight, top leg bent at knee. Doc extends thigh back to traction Femoral nerve.
Radiating pain to groin: L1 nerve root radiculopathy
Radiating pain to ant mid thigh: L3 nerve root radiculopathy
Note location of pain