What condition does a positive Lindner Sign indicate?

Prepare for the Physical Assessment Lower Extremity Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready today!

Multiple Choice

What condition does a positive Lindner Sign indicate?

Explanation:
A positive Lindner Sign indicates radiculopathy caused by a lateral disc lesion. This test is performed by having the patient flex their neck while in a supine position. A positive response occurs when this neck flexion elicits pain or discomfort that radiates into the lower extremity, suggesting irritation or compression of the nerve roots that could be caused by a lateral disc herniation. The reason why this sign is specifically indicative of a lateral disc lesion lies in the mechanics of how the spinal nerves exit the vertebral column. A lateral disc herniation often affects the nerve roots exiting at the foramen, leading to radicular symptoms. Therefore, when neck flexion increases tension in the structures surrounding the nerve, it can produce or intensify pain in the affected limb, which is characteristic of radiculopathy. Other conditions listed, such as medial disc herniation, sciatica, and hamstring strain, do not specifically correlate with the clinical significance of a positive Lindner Sign. Medial disc herniation might produce different symptoms, while sciatica is a broader term that might not necessarily imply a specific disc involvement. A hamstring strain typically presents with localized pain in the muscle itself rather than radiculopathy, thus not linked

A positive Lindner Sign indicates radiculopathy caused by a lateral disc lesion. This test is performed by having the patient flex their neck while in a supine position. A positive response occurs when this neck flexion elicits pain or discomfort that radiates into the lower extremity, suggesting irritation or compression of the nerve roots that could be caused by a lateral disc herniation.

The reason why this sign is specifically indicative of a lateral disc lesion lies in the mechanics of how the spinal nerves exit the vertebral column. A lateral disc herniation often affects the nerve roots exiting at the foramen, leading to radicular symptoms. Therefore, when neck flexion increases tension in the structures surrounding the nerve, it can produce or intensify pain in the affected limb, which is characteristic of radiculopathy.

Other conditions listed, such as medial disc herniation, sciatica, and hamstring strain, do not specifically correlate with the clinical significance of a positive Lindner Sign. Medial disc herniation might produce different symptoms, while sciatica is a broader term that might not necessarily imply a specific disc involvement. A hamstring strain typically presents with localized pain in the muscle itself rather than radiculopathy, thus not linked

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy