Test: Posture Exam - Sagital plane

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Background/Purpose

The exact role of a postural evaluation in evaluating a subject's condition is not fully supported by the literature. A postural evaluation can be a useful part of and examination but needs to be taken in context with other findings. Posture may play a role in individuals whose lifestyle does not allow for adequate movement of the spine such as those require more static positions. There are two primary purposes for performing a postural exam. 1.) look for underlying factors that may prolong pain, instability and dysfunction (slumped posture), 2.) Identify underlying dysfunction (tight muscles)

Procedure

Look at the subject from the front. Note any rotation or lateral bending that may be occurring. Assess shoulder and forearms for rotation. A pencil placed in the subjects hand should be pointing forward at 10-30 degrees. Looking at the patient from behind note any scapular winging, elevation or pelvic obliquity. Note the height of the iliac crests. If they are un-level, there may be a pelvic distortion or pelvic obliquity that may need to be differentiated.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Assess sagital spinal alignment while standing

Criteria

• Straight forward head
• Scapula in a neutral position
• Straight line from top of head through middle of pelvis

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail