What is a Cervical Spine Examination? A cervical spine examination assesses the neck region’s structure and function, focusing on posture, alignment, range of motion, and potential sources of pain or dysfunction. The examination involves inspection, palpation, movement assessment, and neurological testing, including motor, sensory, and reflex evaluations of the upper limbs. It is essential for…
What is Kernig’s Sign? Kernig’s sign is a clinical test for meningeal irritation, often seen in meningitis. It is positive when extending the knee from a flexed hip position causes pain or resistance in the hamstrings, suggesting meningeal inflammation. To check for meningeal irritation, it is frequently evaluated along with Brudzinski’s sign. Purpose The Kernig’s…
What is a Spine Examination? A spine examination is a systematic assessment of the spinal column, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions. It involves evaluating posture, alignment, range of motion, and identifying any deformities or asymmetries. The examination typically includes inspection, palpation, assessment of movement, and neurological testing to assess motor, sensory,…
Introduction The ankle and foot examination is a critical component of musculoskeletal assessment, focusing on evaluating the structure, function, and integrity of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues. A systematic approach typically includes inspection, palpation, range of motion assessment, strength testing, and special tests to identify conditions such as fractures, sprains, tendonitis,…
What is a Knee Examination? A knee examination is a systematic assessment used to evaluate knee function, stability, and potential pathology. It typically includes inspection, palpation, range of motion testing, and special tests to assess ligaments, menisci, and joint integrity. The femur, tibia, and patella are the three bones of the knee joint, a synovial…
What is Homan’s Sign? Homan’s sign is a clinical test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is positive if dorsiflexion of the foot causes pain in the calf, suggesting possible thrombosis. However, it is not highly specific or reliable for diagnosing DVT. This method was believed to cause calf pain, which was a sign of…
What is Brudzinski Sign? Brudzinski’s sign is a clinical test used to assess meningeal irritation, commonly seen in meningitis. It is positive when passive flexion of the neck causes involuntary flexion of the hips and knees, indicating possible meningeal inflammation. The doctor Józef Brudziński, who initially characterized it in the early 1900s, is remembered by…
Introduction The Strength-Duration Curve (SD Curve) visually represents the connection between the intensity of an electrical stimulus applied to a muscle’s motor point and the time required to trigger a minimal contraction in that muscle. In this context, “strength” pertains to the intensity of the stimulus plotted on the vertical axis, while “duration” refers to…
What exactly is the ankle-brachial index? The ankle-brachial index test is a rapid and straightforward approach to detecting peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This illness develops when constricted arteries limit blood flow to the arms and legs. PAD can cause leg discomfort when walking and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The ankle-brachial index…
Introduction Vojta Therapy is a dynamic approach to treating neuromuscular problems that is based on reflex locomotion and developmental kinesiology. This approach aims to assist individuals with disorders affecting the central nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Developed in the 20th century by child neurologist Prof. Vaclav Vojta, it’s largely utilized in Europe currently. What is…
