Purpose of Milgram’s Test: To determine if there is a pathology in the intra/extra thecal area of the spine. The intrathecal pathology may include a spinal tumour and extrathecal pathology may include a herniated disc or a space-occupying lesion.
Patient position: Lying supine.
Examiner position: Standing beside the bed.
Procedure: Ask the patient to raise both legs up to 4 – 6 inches off the bed (20 degrees) and hold them for 30 seconds, while lying supine.
Outcome: The test (Milgram’s Test) is positive if the patient experiences low back pain or radicular pain from the spine.
Reference:
- Miller KJ, Sittler MD, Corricelli DM, DiMura DN, Comerford JS. Combination testing in orthopedic and neurologic physical examination: a proposed model. Journal of chiropractic medicine. 2007 Dec 1;6(4):163-71.
- Evans RC. In: Illustrated orthopedic physical assessment. 2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2001. p. 436-7, 574-5.