Spine examination

Question 1

When looking at the patient’s back, give examples of what abnormalities on the skin to look for?

Answer 1

Muscle wasting
Symmetry
Bruising
Scarring

Question 2

When looking at the patient’s back from the side, what abnormality should you look for in the cervical spine?

Answer 2

Cervical lordosis

Pushes your neck further forward than it should be or usually is

Question 3

When looking at the patient’s back from the side, what abnormality should you look for in the thoracic spine?

Answer 3

Thoracic kyphosis

excessive curvature in the thoracic spine that leads to a rounded upper back

Question 4

When looking at the patient’s back from the side, what abnormality should you look for in the lumbar spine?

Answer 4

Excessive lumbar lordosis: Swayback

Excessive inward curve of the lumbar spine

Question 5

When looking at the patient’s back from behind, what abnormality in the spine shape should you look for?

Answer 5

Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral curvature of spine

Question 6

What bony structures should you feel, and in which parts of the spine?

Answer 6

Feel spinous processes of each vertebra

From neck to sacrum

Question 7

Where do you swipe with a cotton wool to test sensation of C5 dermatome?

Answer 7

Lateral aspect of the lower edge of the deltoid muscle: “regimental badge”

Question 8

Where do you swipe with a cotton wool to test sensation of C6 dermatome?

Answer 8

Palmar surface of thumb

Question 9

Where do you swipe with a cotton wool to test sensation of C7 dermatome?

Answer 9

Palmar surface of middle finger

Question 10

Where do you swipe with a cotton wool to test sensation of C8 dermatome?

Answer 10

Palmar side of little finger

Question 11

Where do you swipe with a cotton wool to test sensation of T1 dermatome?

Answer 11

Antecubital fossa: Medial surface of arm just proximal to medial epicondyle