Rust’s Sign
Patient spontaneously grasps the head with both hands when lying down or when rising from a recumbent position
+ Rust’s sign
Indicates:
When Rust’s sign is present, this indicates a severe ___________ instability
Upper cervical
Libman’s Sign
Examiner applies thumb pressure to the mastoid process and gradually increases the pressure until the patient states that it is becoming noticeably uncomfortable
+ Libman’s Sign
Patient is exhibiting an unusually low or high threshold for pain
Bakody Sign
Patient will be in a seated position and will place the hand of the affected extremity on top of their head, raising the elbow to the level of the ear
+ Bakody Sign
Patient has nerve root irritation (position tractions the brachial plexus which reduces irritation) that is diminished by this posture/sign
+ Reverse Bakody Sign. What does this indicate?
Pain is exacerbated
-Thoracic Outlet Syndrome from interscalene pressure
Negative Bakody Sign. What does this indicate?
No change in pain
-DDX nerve root encroachment from a thoracic outlet syndrome
Bikele’s Sign
Patient is asked to abduct their shoulder to 90 degrees and then the elbow is put into full extension
+ Bikele’s Sign
The patients pain will be radicular and extend into the arm (from tractioning of the brachial plexus)
Brachial Plexus Tension Test
Patient is asked to abduct both shoulder to 0- degree and place the hands behind the head. Doctor then pulls the elbows back
+ Brachial Plexus Tension Test
Pain radiates into the patients arm
Any functional disturbance and/or pathological change in the spinal cord; often used to denote nonspecific lesions
Myelopathy
Cervical orthopedic tests for dural irritation
Characteristic fever, headache, stiff neck (nuchal rigidity), febrile sign
Meningitis
Febrile sign
During passive flexion on the neck, the knees will automatically bend
Cervical orthopedic tests for meningitis
Best methods for identifying myelopathy
Lhermitte’s Test
With the patient seated, the doctor instructs the him/her to drop their chin to their chest. The doctor then passively flexes the patient head
+Lhermitte’s Test
Patient experiences shock like sensations radiating down the neck and spine
+Lhermitte’s sign indicates what 2 possible pathologies?
- MS
If a patient has MS, where on their body are they most likely to test + for Lhermittes?
Back of the neck, lower back, and other parts of the body.
What is thought to cause MS patients to test + for Lhermitte’s sign?
Hypersensitivity of demyelinated cervical sensory axons to stretching