Schober's test

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Schober's test

Schober's test (pronunciation: /ˈʃoʊbər/; etymology: named after Austrian ophthalmologist, Dr. Ottmar Schober) is a physical examination used primarily in the field of rheumatology to measure the ability of a patient to flex their lower back.

Description

The test involves marking a patient's back at the level of the posterior superior iliac spine and then 10 cm above this point. The patient is then asked to bend forward as far as possible. A normal result is an increase in the distance between the two marks of at least 5 cm. If the increase is less than 5 cm, this suggests a limitation in lumbar flexion, which is often seen in conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis.

Procedure

The patient is asked to stand straight and two marks are made on their back. The first mark is made at the level of the dimples of Venus (posterior superior iliac spine), and the second mark is made 10 cm above the first. The patient is then asked to bend forward as far as possible without bending their knees. The distance between the two marks is measured again. The normal range is an increase of at least 5 cm.

Interpretation

If the increase in distance is less than 5 cm, it suggests a limitation in lumbar flexion. This is often seen in conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine. However, a positive Schober's test is not definitive proof of any specific condition and further diagnostic tests are usually required.

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