The 21 most useful orthopedic tests
How to perform each test, what counts as a positive finding, a video demo, and what the research says about how useful the test really is.
- 21 tests from the neck to the ankle
- Reliability and diagnostic accuracy from the key studies
- A video demo for every test
Send me the free e-book
Free, no credit card. The PDF lands in your inbox right away, followed by one short email with tips on using special tests. Unsubscribe anytime.
What you get for every test
Every test gets its own page, built to use in the clinic. Here are the Thompson Test and the Apprehension Test.
Execution, step by step
Numbered steps with photos of the patient and examiner position.
What counts as positive
A clear description of a positive outcome, so you read the test the same way every time.
The study data
Reliability, sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios from the key studies, with the reference.
A video demo
A QR code and a link to the demo on our YouTube channel.
The 21 tests inside
Picked from the tests we use in practice, across every body region.
Head and neck
- Dix-Hallpike Test BPPV
- Spurling's Test Cervical radiculopathy
- ULNT1 Median nerve, C5 to C7
- Flexion Rotation Test Upper cervical
Shoulder
- SAPS test cluster Subacromial pain
- Apprehension Test Anterior instability
- Jerk Test Posteroinferior labrum
- Roos Test Thoracic outlet
Elbow, wrist and hand
- Cozen's Test Tennis elbow
- Lateral Pivot Shift Test Elbow instability
- Watson Test Scapholunate instability
- Wainner cluster Carpal tunnel
Lumbar spine, SIJ and hip
- Straight Leg Raise Radicular pain
- Laslett cluster SIJ pain
- FADDIR Test Hip
Knee, ankle and foot
- Lachman Test ACL
- Ottawa Ankle Rules X-ray indication
- Anterior Drawer Test Ankle
- Thompson Test Achilles rupture
Function and questionnaires
- Y-Balance Test Dynamic balance
- Tampa Scale Kinesiophobia
Not every test is a good test
Plenty of popular orthopedic tests have poor reliability, or were never properly studied. That is why each test in this e-book comes with the study data and an honest rating of its clinical value, using the same matrix as our Assessment Book.
So you know how much weight a positive or a negative result deserves, before you build your diagnosis on it.
Made by Kai and Andreas
We are physiotherapists and the founders of Physiotutors. The 21 tests come from our Assessment Book, with more than 300 tests and their clinical value. This e-book is the part we reach for most in daily practice.
Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. No credit card, no trial. You fill in your name and email, and the PDF is yours.
What happens after I sign up?
You can download the PDF straight away on this page, and we send it to your inbox too. Two days later you get one short email with a video on using special tests well. You can unsubscribe with one click.
Who is it for?
Physio students and clinicians who want a quick, evidence-based reference for the tests they use most.
Is this the full Assessment Book?
No. It is a sample of 21 tests. The full Assessment Book has more than 300 tests, each with its clinical value.
What language is it in?
English.
Get the 21 tests in your inbox
Free PDF, 34 pages, with the evidence for every test.
Send me the e-book
