Bakody Sign
Introduction[edit | edit source]
This test was designed to assess radicular pain at the C4-C6 level. It is otherwise known as the shoulder abduction test. This test can be suggestive of cervical nerve involvement, but however isn't diagnostic of it.[1]
History[edit | edit source]
Dr John Bakody, a neurosurgeon developed this technique, in1977 and published the same in the Surgical Neurology.
Purpose[edit | edit source]
It is used to diagnose cervical radiculopathy, it is as definitive as the spurlings test however is less painful. It can also be used in case of a herniated disc pathology, spinal nerve root compression, acute neck pain which could be neural related.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The limb has to be actively or passively raised above the head with the palm of the hand above the head.
Importance[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Davis FA. Bakody sign [Internet]. Tabers online, Unbound medicine. Available from: https://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/773522/all/Bakody_sign
