femoral nerve, L2, L3, L4, lumbar, nerve root lesion, ortho, pain, paresthesia, prone, special test

Purpose

Used to determine if patient has a L2, L3, or L4 nerve root lesion by placing the femoral nerve on stretch.

Technique

Patient is positioned in prone.

Clinician stands on side of leg being tested.

Clinician places cranial hand on low back to stabilize spine.

Using the caudal hand, the clinician brings the knee on the side being tested into flexion.

Clinician can then use caudual hand to cup under patient’s knee to bring the hip into a little extension to further stretch the femoral nerve.

Positive

Pain or provocation of paresthesia symptoms in the leg being tested.

Indication

L2, L3, or L4 nerve root lesion or disc herniation.

References

1. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Related videos:

1. Femoral Nerve Test (in side lying)
2. Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test
3. Lumbar Shear Test
4. McMurray’s Test
5. Meniscal Quadrant Test