Prone Knee Bend Test
(Redirected from Femoral Nerve Tension Test)
Other Names
- Prone Knee Bending Test
- Femoral Nerve Stretch Test
- Mackiewicz sign
- Crossed Femoral Nerve Tension Test (FNST)
- Crossed Femoral Nerve Stretch Test
- Crossed Femoral Stretching Test
- Femoral Nerve Traction Test
- Prone Knee Bend Test (PKB)
- Ely’s Test (or Ely’s Femoral Nerve Test)
- Anterior Femoral Nerve Test
- L2–L4 Nerve Root Stretch Test
Purpose
- Evaluate the Femoral Nerve and the mid lumbar (L2-L4) nerve roots
Description
- The patient lays prone on the examination table
- The examiner stabilizes the ipsilateral pelvis with one hand to prevent movement
- The other hand flexes the knee as much as possible and holds the maximal flexion position for 45 seconds
- Positive test
- Reproduction of the patients symptoms
- Be sure to compare to unaffected limb
Modifications
- Crossed FNST
- Patient remains prone
- Hip extended, knee flexed
- Passively pull contralateral knee posteriorly, stretching thigh neuromusculature of both sides
- Positive test is pain in contralateral anterior thigh
- Due to stretching of the psoas/quads/lumbar disc impinging on femoral nerve roots (L2 L4 distribution)
Pathology
- Femoral Nerve Injury
- Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
- Lumbar Radiculopathy
Evidence
- Suri et al[3]
- Sensitivity: 50%
- Specificity: 88%
See Also
References
- ↑ Davenport, D., H. B. Colaco, and V. Kavarthapu. "Examination of the adult spine." British Journal of Hospital Medicine 76.12 (2015): C182-C185.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Nadler, Scott F., et al. "The crossed femoral nerve stretch test to improve diagnostic sensitivity for the high lumbar radiculopathy: 2 case reports." Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 82.4 (2001): 522-523.
- ↑ Suri, Pradeep, et al. "The accuracy of the physical examination for the diagnosis of midlumbar and low lumbar nerve root impingement." Spine 36.1 (2011): 63-73.
Created by:
John Kiel on 25 July 2019 13:19:33
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Last edited:
21 June 2026 22:27:47
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