Transverse Ligament Stress Test

Other Names

The Transverse Ligament Stress Test

• Transverse Ligament Test
• Alar Ligament Stress Test
• Alar Ligament Test

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Purpose

• Evaluate the Atlanto-Axial Joint

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Description

• The patient is in the supine position
• The examiner supports the patients head with palms and digits
• The examiner places index finger between occiput and SP of C2 over the neural arch of C1
• The patients head is then lifted at the C1 vertebrae anteriorly with care to keep the neck in neutral
• The position should be held for 10-20 seconds.
• Positive test is reproduction of patients symptoms
  • Abnormal pupil response
  • Eye twitching or nystagmus
  • Soft end feel
  • Muscle spasm
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Paresthesia of the lip face or limb
  • Lump sensation in the throat

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Pathology

• Atlantoaxial Instability

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Neck Pain Main
• Physical Exam Neck

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