Objective Ax

Question 1

Why may we use cluster testing for the SI joint?

Answer 1

A ‘cluster’ of tests used
together has a higher reliability

Question 2

What is a dermatome and why do we test the dermatomes?

Answer 2

• An area of skin that is
  innervated by a specific nerve root, sensory component
• test them to check if the sensory component of that nerve root is in tact

Question 3

What is the definition of a myotome and why do we test them?

Answer 3

• A myotome is a group
  of muscles innervated by a single spinal nerve
• myotomes test the motor component
  of a nerve root

Question 4

what is a positive finding of myotomal testing

Answer 4

• Looking for weakness and comparing one side to another.
• May be indicative of a pathology that is compressing/ compromising a specific nerve root.

Question 5

what is a tendon reflex

Answer 5

an involuntary response of muscles to a sudden stretch cause by a sharp tap
on the tendon.

Question 6

why is reflex testing important

Answer 6

• identifys the level of nerve root injury/damage
• stablishes between upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron lesions
• hyperreflexia UMN - loss of inhibitory control
• Hyporeflexia LMN - damage to reflex arc

Question 7

what are two positive findings of a reflex test

Answer 7

**Hyporeflexia **(underactive) indicates LMN lesions due to loss of the efferent and afferent branches of the normal reflex arc.
Hyperreflexia (overactive response) indicates UMN lesions due to the loss of inhibition from higher brain centres, which normally exert a degree of suppression over the lower motor neuron reflex arc

Question 8

what is Babinski and what is a positive result

Answer 8

• striking the sole of the foot with a blunt object
• big toe exted and toes fan outwards
• tests the integrity of the corticospinal tract
• would be indicative of a UMN lesion

Question 9

what is Clonus and what is a positive result

Answer 9

• series of involuntary rhythmic muscular contractions and relaxations
• UMN lsions of the descending motor pathways
• stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy

Question 10

What is a straight leg raise (SLR)? What is this trying to measure? What is a
positive finding?

Answer 10

• SLR is part of a neurological assessment used to identify sciatic nerve irritation (or branches of the sciatic nerve).
• Positive finding is reduced range of
  movement on affected leg and /or provocation/ reproduction of their signs and
  symptoms.

Question 11

What is a slump test? What is this trying to measure? What is a positive finding?

Answer 11

• Slump test is used to identify adverse neural dynamics/ tension/ irritation by
  maximally stretching structures in the vertebral canal.
• Positive finding is reduced
  range of movement on affected leg and /or provocation/ reproduction of their signs
  and symptoms.

Question 12

what might you look at to assess vascular issues in the lower limb

Answer 12

• Measuring temperature
  and CRT in the lower limbs is a useful screening tool to quickly assess peripheral
  perfusion.
• pulses - Allows you to assess and compare arterial inflow into each leg.
• Inspect abdomen for visible expansile pulsations

Question 12

what is safety netting

Answer 12

Safety netting advice can protect both the patient and the therapist. It helps to ensure that a patient with unresolved or potentially worsening symptoms knows when and how to access further advice. It is an important way of reducing clinical risk and the risk of receiving a complaint.