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Low midline sill sign, interspinous gap change predictive of spondylolisthesis, lumbar stability
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Two newly developed physical examination tests were found to effectively detect lumbar spondylolisthesis and lumbar instability and were easily performed in an outpatient setting, according to researchers.
A total of 96 patients were evaluated for lumbar spondylolisthesis using the low midline sill sign test and 73 patients were evaluated for lumbar instability using the interspinous gap change test during lumbar flexion-extension motion. All patients presented with initial complaints of low back pain or lumbar radicular pain.
In addition to reviewing the validity of the two tests, the researchers also assessed their sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.
The researchers found the sensitivity and specificity for the interspinous gap change was 82.2% and 60.7%, respectively. Additionally, positive predictive values of the test were 77.1% and the negative predictive values were 68%.
For the midline sill sign test, sensitivity was 81.3% and specificity was 89.1%. Additionally, positive predictive values for the test were 78.8% and negative predictive values were 90.5%. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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