Vertebral Column Palpation

Question 1

Sternocleidomastoid

Answer 1

1. Have patient seated on the plinth (femur fully supported)
2. Ask patient to look to one side (turn head)
3. Roughly palpate the meaty part
4. Ask patient to look down (so look side & down)

Question 2

Erector Spinae

Answer 2

1. Have patient lie prone (face down)
2. Palpate at the lower thoracic & lumbar area (mid to lower back) next to the spine
3. Ask patient to lift their head and shoulder up (back extension)

Question 3

Rectus Abdominis

Answer 3

1. Have patient lie in supine (face up) with arms crossed
2. Palpate on one side above the belly button
3. Ask patient to lift head and shoulder off the plinth

Question 4

External Oblique

Answer 4

1. Have patient lie in supine (face up) with arms crossed
2. Palpate more to the side of the body
3. Ask patient to lift head and shoulder off the plinth and curl towards one side (like a side crunch)

Question 5

Spinal Column

Answer 5

C7: Bend head down (look down), most prominent protrusion

T3: Trace spine of scapula inwards towards the spine to the root of scapula, trace to spine

T7: Inferior angle of scapula, trace inwards to spine

L4: Put hand on their hips (iliac crest), highest part, trace in

T12: Approximately between T7 & L4

S2: PSIS, trace to spine