Neurological bedside examination: accuracy in lumbo-sacral radiculopathy

In Western industrialised countries, low-back pain (LBP) is a common cause of disability. Although many people have at least one episode of low-back pain throughout their lives, no identifiable disease is found in up to 85% of patients (Deyo et al. 1992). Low back-related leg pain, which accounts for 23% to 57% of all LBP cases (Scharfer A, et al. 2007). In patients who report … Continue reading Neurological bedside examination: accuracy in lumbo-sacral radiculopathy

Terminology and identification of spine-related leg pain patients

There is no agreement on a definition or diagnostic criteria for “sciatica.” The term “sciatica” has been used to describe a variety of nerve-related disorders originating in the spine, including radicular discomfort and painful radiculopathy (Foster NE, et al., 2020; Lin CW, et al., 2014). Despite the linguistic connotation of neural involvement, the term “sciatica” has been used to refer to somatic-referred pain in some … Continue reading Terminology and identification of spine-related leg pain patients

Inferior Drawer or John Feagin Test

Purpose of Inferior Drawer or John Feagin Test (anteroinferior glenohumeral): To test if there is an anteroinferior instability of the glenohumeral joint. Patient position: Standing or High Sitting. Examiner position: Stand facing the patient’s affected side. Procedure: Abduct the patient’s arm passively up to 90 degrees and place the distal part of the patient’s arm on your shoulder (i.e., place the patient’s forearm/wrist on the … Continue reading Inferior Drawer or John Feagin Test

Jerk Test

Purpose of Jerk Test: To test if there is a posteroinferior instability of the glenohumeral joint, indicating a torn posterior or posteroinferior labrum. Patient position: Sitting with the affected arm supported on the patient’s lap over a pillow. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient, near the affected shoulder. Procedure: Stabilize the patient’s scapula using one hand and hold the patient’s elbow with another hand. Elevate the … Continue reading Jerk Test

Load and Shift Test

Purpose of Load and Shift Test: To test if there is an (anterior or posterior) instability of the glenohumeral joint. Patient position: Sitting with the affected arm supported on the patient’s lap over a pillow; or Supine lying. Examiner position: Standing beside the patient, near the affected shoulder. Procedure: Stabilize the patient’s scapula using one hand and grasp the head of the humerus bone using … Continue reading Load and Shift Test