Test: Posture Exam - Frontal 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 side. Not any deviations from an ideal plumb line from the ear lobe through the acromion process, greater trochanter and lateral malleolus. Appreciate and increase or decrease in the typical kyphosis of the thoracic spine and lordosis in the cervical and lumbar spine.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Assess spinal alignment in the frontal plane

Criteria

• Plumb-line through earlobe, acromion, greater trochanter and lateral malleolus

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail