spine examination

Question 1

look

Answer 1

from behind

• posture of head, neck + shoulders
• scoliosis - standing + bending forward

from side
- cervical + lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis

Question 2

feel

Answer 2

supraclavicular - for cervical ribs or enlarged lyph nodes
feel spinous processes - cervical->lumbar

feel muscle bulk + any any spasm (watch face)

iliac crest heights - pelvic tilt
feel sacroiliac joints

chest expansion only if ankylosing spond suspected

Question 3

move

Answer 3

neck - flexion, extension, look over shoulder R+L, lateral flexion

lumbar - flexion, extension, lateral flexion (L+R)

Question 4

special tests

Answer 4

schobers test in suspected ankylosing spondylitis

10cm above + 5 below

concerned if <20cm when bend over