Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the concordance of the upper limb neurodynamic tests (ULNTs) with a chosen reference standard, consisting of medical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in patients with cervical radiculopathy. MethodsThis diagnostic cohort study included 51 consecutive patients referred to a center for spinal surgery for clinical investigation of cervical and/or arm pain in Sweden during the period of November 2007 to February 2008. The patients were exposed to the 4 different tests of ULNT. One diagnosis based on each of the tests separately and one based on the tests combined were compared with a chosen reference standard consisting of MRI, anamnestic features, and clinical examination. ResultsThe ULNT (1-3 used combined) had a sensitivity of 0.97 and a specificity of 0.69. The results of ULNT (1-3 used combined) corresponded in 88.2% with the reference standard. Individually, the ULNT 1 (median) showed the highest validity, and ULNT 2b (radial), the lowest. ConclusionUpper limb neurodynamic test (combined) showed a substantial agreement with findings from medical examination including MRI. These results indicate the importance of ULNT (combined) to complement the clinical examination of patients with radiculopathy.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.