How do you demonstrate a present Lindner Sign?

How do you demonstrate a present Lindner Sign?

• A. Patient prone, flex the knee while lifting the leg
• B. Patient supine, knees straight, lift the head and neck into flexion
• C. Patient seated, bend forward
• D. Patient lying lateral, lift the top leg

Answer: (B)

The Lindner sign is an assessment used primarily to evaluate for the presence of irritation in the lower lumbar region and potential radicular symptoms in the lower extremities, which can be indicative of nerve root involvement or other spinal issues. To demonstrate a present Lindner sign, the patient should be in a supine position with their knees straight. When the clinician lifts the patient's head and neck into flexion, this maneuver tests for discomfort or pain radiating along the nerve roots which may suggest underlying pathology. This response is significant because lifting the head and neck can create tension along the spine and aggravate any nerve root compression or irritation present, potentially reproducing symptoms the patient might experience during regular activities. Positive findings, such as pain radiating into the legs, would provide a clear indication of spinal involvement, distinguishing it as a critical component used in the clinical evaluation for conditions like herniated discs or radiculopathy. Other methods of assessment, while useful in different contexts, do not specifically replicate the conditions required to elicit the Lindner sign as effectively as this position and action.

The Lindner sign is an assessment used primarily to evaluate for the presence of irritation in the lower lumbar region and potential radicular symptoms in the lower extremities, which can be indicative of nerve root involvement or other spinal issues. To demonstrate a present Lindner sign, the patient should be in a supine position with their knees straight. When the clinician lifts the patient's head and neck into flexion, this maneuver tests for discomfort or pain radiating along the nerve roots which may suggest underlying pathology.

This response is significant because lifting the head and neck can create tension along the spine and aggravate any nerve root compression or irritation present, potentially reproducing symptoms the patient might experience during regular activities. Positive findings, such as pain radiating into the legs, would provide a clear indication of spinal involvement, distinguishing it as a critical component used in the clinical evaluation for conditions like herniated discs or radiculopathy. Other methods of assessment, while useful in different contexts, do not specifically replicate the conditions required to elicit the Lindner sign as effectively as this position and action.