Purpose of Slump Test 2 – Obturator Nerve Bias: To determine if the tension along the obturator nerve contributes to the neurologic symptoms associated with radiculopathy (1, 2).

Patient position: High sitting (as upright as tolerated) with hands behind the back.

Examiner position: Standing beside the patient, at the side of the limb to be tested.

Procedure: Perform the limb/joint positioning sequence in the following order:

1. Slouch at the lumbar and thoracic spine (with the examiner’s one hand over the patient’s shoulder girdles), while the patient is looking forward,
2. Cervical spine flexion (with the examiner’s hand over the patient’s occiput),
3. Hip flexion (slightly more than 90 degrees, lean forwards) followed by hip abduction,
4. Knee extension (with the examiner’s other hand at the back of the ankle), while maintaining the cervical spine flexion,
5. Ankle dorsiflexion, while maintaining the cervical spine flexion, hip abduction, and knee extension,
6. Sensitizing position: Cervical spine flexion or extension.

Outcome: This test (Slump Test 2 – Obturator Nerve Bias) is positive if (a) the limb/joint positioning sequence reproduces symptoms associated with radiculopathy, (b) the sensitizing position reproduces symptoms, and (c) there is a repeatable and measurable asymmetry between both sides along with the reproduction of symptoms.

Reference:

1. Butler DS, Jones MA, Gore R. Mobilisation of the nervous system: Churchill Livingstone Melbourne etc.; 1991.
2. Harris PF, Ranson C. Atlas of living and surface anatomy for sports medicine: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2008.