Exam

Spurling Sign

search

Spurling Sign, Spurling Test, Axial Compression of Cervical Spine, Shoulder Abduction Sign, Vertex Compression Test

  • See Also
  1. Cervical Disc Provocative Test
  • Indications
  1. Suspected Cervical Radiculopathy
  • Technique
  1. Patient bends neck to ipsilateral side, performing neck lateral flexion and extension)
  2. Examiner pushes down on head (axial compression of neural foramina)
  • Interpretation
  1. Pain on axial compression suggests foraminal stenosis and nerve root irritation on the side of the rotation
  2. Pain may then be relieved by raising arm on the affected side overhead (Shoulder Abduction Sign)
  • Efficacy
  1. High Test Sensitivity and Specificity
  • References
  1. Shah (2004) Br J Neurosurg 18(5): 480-3 [PubMed]