Cervical Distraction Test
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Purpose
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To test for the presence of cervical radiculopathy.[1] [2]
Test Position[edit | edit source]
Supine
Technique
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| [3] |
Patient lies supine and the neck is comfortably positioned. Examiner securely grasps the patient's either by placing each hand around the patient’s mastoid processes, while standing at their head, or place one hand on their forehead and the other on the occiput. Slightly flex the patient’s neck and pull the head towards your torso, applying a distraction force [4] [5]
A positive test is the reduction or elimination of symptoms with traction .[4] [5]
Importance of Test[edit | edit source]
As disc height decreases and bone spurs accumulate, the space for nerves to enter and exit the vertebral canal gets smaller. The decreased space can result in greater pressure on the nerve roots or other innervated structures, causing pain and weakness. With distraction, the joint space is increased to relieve the pressure on the nerve roots, thus decreasing the symptoms. [6]
Evidence
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Sensitivity .44
Specificity .97[7]
Reliability .88[5]
Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ Flynn TW, Cleland JA, Whitman JM. Users' guide to the musculoskeletal examination. United States; Evidence in Motion:2008.
- ↑ Malange GA,Landes P, Nadler SF. Provocation tests in the cervical spine examination: historical basis and scientific analyses. Pain Physician. 2003;6:199-205
- ↑ CR Technologies. Cervical Distraction Test. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDX_TUesdh0[last accessed 09/03/13]
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Wainner RS, Gill H. Diagnosis and nonoperative management of cervical radiculopathy. J Ortho Sports PT.2000 Dec;30(12):728-744.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 http://www.thestudentphysicaltherapist.com/cervical-distraction-test.html Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ Rubinstein SM, Pool JJM, van Tulder MW, Riphagen II, de Vet HCW. A systemic review of the diagnostic accuracy of provocative tests of the neck for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy. Eur Spine J.2007;16:307-319.
