Diagnostic utility of clinical tests for spinal dysfunction

Chad Cook; Eric Hegedus

doi:10.1016/j.math.2010.07.004

Diagnostic utility of clinical tests for spinal dysfunction

Man Ther. 2011 Feb;16(1):21-5. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2010.07.004. Epub 2010 Aug 3.

Authors

Chad Cook¹, Eric Hegedus

Affiliation

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, Walsh University, 2020 East Maple Street, North Canton, OH 44720, USA. ccook@walsh.edu

PMID: 20685150
DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2010.07.004

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to outline the clinical tests that exhibit the highest diagnostic utility for the spine. Using a sensitive search strategy but highly restrictive inclusion criteria based on assessment of quality and reduction of bias, we identified 16 well constructed diagnostic accuracy studies of the spine. Within the 16 studies, 14 clinical tests were identified, and of the 14, four cervical tests and two lumbar tests were considered good screening tools whereas one cervical test and five lumbar tests were considered good tools for confirmatory diagnosis. A significant number of clinical tests were not included in our final tally secondary to poor study designs and the risks associated with inflated findings and bias. High quality diagnostic accuracy studies for the spine are necessary to improve clinicians' abilities to rule out sinister disorders.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cervical Vertebrae*
Humans
Likelihood Functions
Low Back Pain / diagnosis*
Lumbar Vertebrae*
Neck Pain / diagnosis*
Physical Examination*
Reproducibility of Results
Sensitivity and Specificity
Spinal Diseases / diagnosis*
Spinal Diseases / rehabilitation