Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the Thoracic Rotation Test?
What is the purpose of the Thoracic Rotation Test?
During palpation of the thoracic spine, what is the recommended way to apply pressure?
During palpation of the thoracic spine, what is the recommended way to apply pressure?
What is the primary focus of the inspection portion of the thoracic spine physical examination?
What is the primary focus of the inspection portion of the thoracic spine physical examination?
What is the name of the test that measures thoracic flexion?
What is the name of the test that measures thoracic flexion?
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What muscle is NOT typically tested during the muscle strength portion of the thoracic spine physical examination?
What muscle is NOT typically tested during the muscle strength portion of the thoracic spine physical examination?
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What is the purpose of the Chest Expansion Test?
What is the purpose of the Chest Expansion Test?
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During the range of motion portion of the thoracic spine physical examination, what type of movement is NOT typically assessed?
During the range of motion portion of the thoracic spine physical examination, what type of movement is NOT typically assessed?
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What is the primary purpose of palpation during the thoracic spine physical examination?
What is the primary purpose of palpation during the thoracic spine physical examination?
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Which of the following muscles is typically tested during the muscle strength portion of the thoracic spine physical examination?
Which of the following muscles is typically tested during the muscle strength portion of the thoracic spine physical examination?
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What is the name of the test that measures the range of motion of the thoracic spine?
What is the name of the test that measures the range of motion of the thoracic spine?
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Study Notes
Thoracic Spine Physical Examination
Inspection
- Observe the patient's posture, noting any asymmetries or deviations from normal
- Check for any signs of scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis
- Inspect the skin for any lesions, scars, or areas of inflammation
Palpation
- Palpate the thoracic spine, noting any areas of tenderness or pain
- Use the pads of the fingers to apply gentle pressure to the spinous processes and transverse processes
- Palpate the costovertebral joints and the sternum
Range of Motion
- Active range of motion:
- Have the patient perform flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion
- Note any limitations or pain with movement
- Passive range of motion:
- Use gentle overpressure to assess for any limitations or pain
Muscle Strength
- Test the strength of the muscles that affect the thoracic spine, including:
- Latissimus dorsi
- Rhomboids
- Trapezius
- Levator scapulae
- Serratus anterior
Special Tests
-
Thoracic Rotation Test: measures rotation of the thoracic spine
- Have the patient sit with their arms at their sides
- Use a goniometer to measure the angle of rotation
-
Chest Expansion Test: measures thoracic mobility
- Have the patient stand with their arms at their sides
- Measure the circumference of the chest at the axillary line
- Have the patient take a deep breath and measure the circumference again
-
Schober Test: measures thoracic flexion
- Have the patient stand with their arms at their sides
- Mark the spinous process of T12 and the level of the posterior superior iliac spine
- Have the patient flex forward and measure the distance between the marks
Thoracic Spine Physical Examination
Inspection
- Observe patient's posture for asymmetries, deviations, scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis
- Inspect skin for lesions, scars, or areas of inflammation
Palpation
- Palpate thoracic spine for tenderness or pain
- Apply gentle pressure to spinous processes, transverse processes, costovertebral joints, and sternum
Range of Motion
- Assess active range of motion for flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion
- Note limitations or pain with movement
- Assess passive range of motion with gentle overpressure
Muscle Strength
- Test strength of muscles affecting thoracic spine, including latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius, levator scapulae, and serratus anterior
Special Tests
Thoracic Rotation Test
- Measure rotation of thoracic spine with patient sitting and arms at sides
- Use goniometer to measure angle of rotation
Chest Expansion Test
- Measure thoracic mobility by measuring chest circumference at axillary line
- Measure before and after deep breath to assess expansion
Schober Test
- Measure thoracic flexion by marking spinous process of T12 and posterior superior iliac spine
- Measure distance between marks before and after flexion to assess range of motion
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Description
This quiz covers the steps involved in physically examining the thoracic spine, including inspection and palpation techniques. It assesses knowledge of how to identify signs of spinal deformities, lesions, and areas of tenderness or pain.
