Episode 114- Spurling's Test

Episode 114- Spurling's Test

A physical therapist performs Spurling's test on a patient with right-sided upper extremity neural symptoms. The therapist begins the test by passively placing the patient's neck in right lateral flexion and extension. Before even applying axial compression, the patient reports that their upper extremity symptoms have been reproduced. Which of the following best explains the clinical significance of this test? Option 1- Increased tension of the brachial plexus as it passes through the thoracic outlet Option 2- Facet joint irritation from cervical lateral flexion and extension Option 3- Instability of the upper cervical spine due to ligamentous laxity Option 4- Compression of a cervical nerve root due to foraminal narrowing Watch the video version on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/dOvYoGeBqqo [https://youtu.be/dOvYoGeBqqo]

Episode 113 - Pronator Syndrome

A physical therapist is examining a patient who presents with symptoms consistent with pronator syndrome. Which of the following findings would MOST likely be observed during the examination? Option 1- Weakness of the wrist extensors Option 2- Sensory loss over the dorsal aspect of the hand Option 3- Weakness of the finger flexors Option 4- Pain over the lateral elbow Watch the video version on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/rtisWckWBik [https://youtu.be/rtisWckWBik]

Episode 112 - Anterior Interosseous Nerve (AIN) Syndrome

A physical therapist is evaluating a patient with a suspected compression neuropathy of the median nerve. Which of the following findings would help confirm a diagnosis of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome over other median nerve neuropathies? Option 1- Inability to perform an "OK" sign Option 2- Sensory loss in the palm of the hand and lateral fingers Option 3- Ape hand deformity Option 4- Positive Tinel's sign at the cubital tunnel Watch the video version on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/d6FgCio76mo [https://youtu.be/d6FgCio76mo]

Episode 111- Nerve Entrapment- Intrinsic Muscle Weakness

A patient presents with weakness isolated to the intrinsic muscles of the hand, specifically the adductor pollicis and the muscles of the hypothenar eminence. The therapist notes that all forearm muscles, the wrist flexors and wrist extensors, have full strength. Which of the following is the MOST likely site of nerve entrapment? Option 1- Carpal tunnel Option 2- Radial tunnel Option 3- Cubital tunnel Option 4- Tunnel of Guyon Watch the video version on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/7VjQBzRANU4 [https://youtu.be/7VjQBzRANU4]

Episode 110 - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Costoclavicular Space

A patient is referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis of right thoracic outlet syndrome. The physical therapist identifies that the patient's symptoms are being caused by entrapment at the costoclavicular space. Which of the following activities would MOST likely exacerbate the patient's symptoms? 1. Reaching overhead into a high cupboard 2. Carrying a heavy bag in the right arm 3. Looking over the left shoulder while driving 4. Looking upward to shave the neck Watch the video version on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/D5p6uO3w9TA [https://youtu.be/D5p6uO3w9TA]