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Low Back Sitting Exam

Aka: Low Back Sitting Exam, Sitting Low Back Exam

See Also
Exam: Complete Neurologic Evaluation
1. Motor Exam
2. Sensory Exam
3. Deep Tendon Reflexes
  1. Hyperactive reflexes with abnormal Babinski
    1. Suggests Bilateral pyramidal tract dysfunction
    2. Spinal cord compression
    3. Cervical Spondylosis
    4. Tumor
    5. Central DIsc herniation
  2. Hypoactive reflexes
    1. Bilateral
      1. Normal
      2. Spinal Shock
      3. Myopathy
    2. Unilateral
      1. Peripheral Nerve: Ankle (S1), Knee (L3,L4)
Exam: Measure thighs and calves (signs of muscle atrophy)
1. Significant Discrepancy
  1. Thigh difference: >1/2 inch
  2. Calf difference: >1/4 inch
Exam: Sitting root test (Sitting Straight Leg Raise)
1. Observe discrepancy between supine and sitting SLR
  1. Discrepancy suggests Malingering
2. Not as sensitive as standard supine SLR

Family Practice Notebook

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 11/4/2008 and last published on 5/14/2013.

This is one of 5887 pages in the Family Practice Notebook