Table 2 Incidence of positive index and reference tests in painful leg*
From: Accuracy of physical examination for chronic lumbar radiculopathy
Index test or reference test | Positive | Percent |
|---|---|---|
Nerve stretch tests | Â | Â |
Femoral nerve stretch test | 6 | 6.0 |
Straight leg raise test | 62 | 53.4 |
Reflex tests | Â | Â |
Knee reflex | 21 | 18.1 |
Ankle reflex | 47 | 40.5 |
Sensory loss testing | Â | Â |
L3 | 4 | 3.4 |
L4 | 14 | 12.1 |
L5 | 31 | 26.7 |
S1 | 52 | 44.8 |
Motor strength/weakness | Â | Â |
Hip flexion (Iliopsoas L1,L2,L3) | 13 | 11.2 |
Hip extension (Gluteus maximus L5,S1,S2) | 14 | 12.1 |
Hip abduction (Gluteus medius L4,L5,S1) | 9 | 7.7 |
Knee flexion (Hamstrings L5,S1,S2) | 64 | 55.2 |
Knee extension (Quadriceps femoris L2,L3,L4) | 1 | 0.9 |
Ankle dorsiflexion (Tibialis anterior L4,L5) | 37 | 31.9 |
Ankle plantarflexion (Gastro-cnemius and Soleus S1,S2) | 45 | 3.9 |
Ankle eversion (Peronei L5,S1) | 80 | 6.9 |
Big toe extension (Extensor hallucis longus L5,S1) | 25 | 21.5 |
Clinician suspected spinal nerve root impingement | ||
L3 | 1 | 0.9 |
L4 | 7 | 6.0 |
L5 | 37 | 31.9 |
S1 | 71 | 61.2 |
MRI or CT proven disc herniation with spinal nerve root impingement | ||
L3 | 0 | 0 |
L4 | 3 | 2.6 |
L5 | 30 | 25.9 |
S1 | 27 | 23.3 |
MRI or CT proven disc herniation without spinal nerve root impingement | ||
L3 | 0 | 0 |
L4 | 1 | 0.9 |
L5 | 12 | 10.3 |
S1 | 17 | 14.6 |
MRI or CT normal or with minor degenerative changes without spinal nerve root impingement | ||
All lumbar spinal levels | 26 | 22.4 |