Test: Dermatome Assessment - Lower Extremity

Video Link

Background/Purpose

L1 - Midway between the key sensory points for T12 and L2.
L2 - On the anterior medial thigh, at the midpoint of a line connecting the midpoint of the inguinal ligament and the medial epicondyle of the femur.
L3 - At the medial epicondyle of the femur.
L4 - Over the medial malleolus.
L5 - On the dorsum of the foot at the third metatarsophalangeal joint.
S1 - On the lateral aspect of the calcaneus.
S2 - At the midpoint of the popliteal fossa.
S3 - Over the tuberosity of the ischium or infragluteal fold
S4 and S5 - In the perianal area, less than one cm lateral to the mucocutaneous zone

Procedure

Using a pinprick or Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, poke the patient within the subjects dermatome area to be tested.
Instruct the patient to identify when they are contacted with the filament.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Use a monofilament to press the subjects skin and have them alert the clinician when they feel it.

Criteria

• Equal sensation throughout the dermatome and both sides
• Equal sensation with surrounding dermatomes

Measurement

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LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail