Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Thoracolumbar Active Range of Motion

🎬
Video coming soon

How to Perform

With the patient standing, ask the patient to move the thoracolumbar spine through the full range of motion in forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion to each side, and rotation to each side. For rotation, stabilize the pelvis while the patient turns the shoulders. Observe the range and smoothness of motion, compare sides for lateral flexion and rotation, and note any pain or restriction.

How to Interpret

Showing 0 of 2 findings
This test’s findings are all below your current evidence filter.

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming soon
Spine Inspection
Rule in:SHVertebral Compression Fracture, ICLumbar Disc Herniation, IEAnkylosing Spondylitis +2 more
Rule out:SHVertebral Compression Fracture, MHLumbar Disc Herniation, IEAnkylosing Spondylitis +2 more
🎬Video coming soon
Romberg Test
aka Romberg sign
Rule in:SHFalls, SHLumbar Spinal Stenosis, IESensory Ataxia +3 more
Rule out:MHLumbar Spinal Stenosis, NHFalls, IESensory Ataxia +3 more
🎬Video coming soon
FABER Test
aka Patrick test
Rule in:SHSacroiliac Joint Pathology, NHIntra-articular Hip Pathology, IEHip Flexion Contracture +1 more
Rule out:SHSacroiliac Joint Pathology, NHIntra-articular Hip Pathology, IEHip Flexion Contracture +1 more
🎬Video coming soon
Lower Extremity Inspection and Palpation
Rule in:VHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, VHKnee Osteoarthritis, HAchilles Tendon Rupture +7 more
Rule out:SHAchilles Tendon Rupture, SHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, SHKnee Osteoarthritis +7 more
🎬Video coming soon
Gait Assessment
Rule in:VHStroke, HFalls, HVascular Parkinsonism +24 more
Rule out:SHDementia, SHVascular Parkinsonism, MHFalls +24 more
🎬Video coming soon
Hip Strength
Rule in:VHFunctional Neurologic Disease, VHGluteal Tendinopathy, VHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +6 more
Rule out:HGluteal Tendinopathy, HLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHFunctional Neurologic Disease +6 more

Related Systems / Regions

BackMusculoskeletalThorax

Related Diagnoses

Ankylosing SpondylitisLumbar Spinal Stenosis

Related Chief Complaints

Back PainButtock PainChronic Back PainDifficulty Walking DistancesEye PainFatigueHeel PainHip PainLeg HeavinessLeg Pain with WalkingLow Back PainMorning StiffnessPain at NightPain Relieved by Leaning ForwardPain Relieved by SittingStiffnessStiffness Improving with Activity

References

  • Gran JT. An epidemiological survey of the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Clin Rheumatol. 1985;4(2):161-169. doi:10.1007/BF02032287. PMID 3159533.
  • Suri P, Rainville J, Kalichman L, Katz JN. Does this older adult with lower extremity pain have the clinical syndrome of lumbar spinal stenosis? JAMA. 2010;304(23):2628-2636. doi:10.1001/jama.2010.1833. PMID: 21156951.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.