disc herniation, femoral nerve, L2, L3, L4, nerve root lesion, ortho, pain, parasthesia, side lying, special test

Purpose

Used to determine L2, L3, or L4 nerve root lesions by stretching the femoral nerve. This test is used for patients who are unable to lay prone.

Technique

Patient is positioned in sidelying.

Clinician stands behind the patient.

Clinician’s caudal hand grabs under the knee raising the leg, while keeping the knee in slight extension.

Clinician’s cranial hand protects the patient’s spine by keeping the patient in neutral spine position.

Clinician then brings patient’s hip back into slight hip extension.

From this position, the Clinician uses the cranial hand to flex the knee.

Positive

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

Indication

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

Related videos:

1. Femoral Nerve Test (in prone)
2. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (side bending)
3. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (extension)
4. Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test
5. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (flexion)