All the information a physiotherapist needs...
Explore different body regions
Learn about a plethora of conditions/pathologies
Find all orthopedic tests per condition
For physiotherapists
Explore different body regions by clicking on the body map and learn more about a plethora of different pathologies. Read and watch the most common orthopedic tests per reason and bring your assessment skills to a whole new level!
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Cephal
Head
Injuries or conditions that affect the head often have a severe impact on a patient’s health. Below you will find an overview of traumatic and atraumatic conditions that are commonly seen in physiotherapeutic practice.
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE HEAD
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the head area. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the head area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
- Watson Test (TTH & Migraine)
- Dix-Hallpike Test (pBPPV)
- Supine Head Roll Test (hBPPV)
- Head Impulse Test (Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction)
- Gaze Stability
- Saccadic Eye Movement
- Eye-Head Coordination
- Postural Stability Assessment
- Joint Position Sense Error (JPSE)
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of head-related conditions.
- Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI)
- Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT)
- Cluster Headache Impact Questionnaire (CHIQ)
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Nine-Hole Peg Test
- Berg Balance Scale
- Rivermead Mobility Index
- Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke
- Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM)
Spine
Cervical Spine
Neck pain has a lifetime prevalence of 70% with a point-prevalence of 20% amongst the dutch population. It’s important to differentiate between a normal and abnormal course of neck pain.
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE CERVICAL SPINE
Neck pain can have several underlying pathologies. For more information, click on the respective condition to learn more (content will be added in the near future):
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM)
- Cervical Motor Control Impairment
- Upper Cervical Hypomobility
- Upper Cervical Instability
- Cervical Artery Disease (CAD)
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the head area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of cervical spine-related conditions.
- Neck Disability Index (NDI)
- Northwick Park Questionnaire (NPQ)
- Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS)
- Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ)
- Whiplash Disability Questionnaire (WDQ)
- Core Neck Questionnaire (CNQ)
- Core Whiplash Outcome Measure (CWOM)
- Tragus to Wall Test
Upper Extremity
Shoulder
The shoulder joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. When we refer to the shoulder we usually mean the glenohumeral joint, which is formed by the head of the humerus and the glenoid fossa of the scapula. We shouldn’t forget that for proper shoulder function, coordinated movement of several other joints is necessary. These are:
- The sternoclavicular (SC) joint: Clavicle and Sternum
- The acromioclavicular (AC) joint: Acromion and Sternum
- The scapulothoracic joint: Not a true anatomic joint. Depends on the integrity of the abovementioned joints.
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE SHOULDER
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the shoulder area. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
- Scapular Dyskinesis
- Subacromial Pain Syndrome
- Internal Shoulder Impingement
- Shoulder Instability
- SLAP (Superior Labrum Tear from Anterior to Posterior) lesion/Biceps Tendinopathy
- Acromioclavicular Joint Pathology
- Frozen Shoulder
- Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis
- Brachial Plexitis / Parsonage Turner Syndrome / Neuralgic Amyotrophy
Orthopedic tests
Here you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the shoulder area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of shoulder-related conditions.
- Shoulder Pain & Disability Index Questionnaire (SPADI)
- Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI)
- Constant-Murley Shoulder Score
- Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)
- Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH)
- Simple Shoulder Test (SST)
- United Kingdom Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ-UK)
- Dutch Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ-NL)
- Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ)
- Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index
Upper Extremity
Elbow
The elbow joint consists of three different bones enclosed in a single capsule: the humerus, the ulna, and the radius. The humeroulnar joint is a simple hinge joint, which only allows flexion and extension between the trochlea notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus. The humeroradial joint is a ball-and-socket joint with the concave socket on the radius and the convex side on the capitulum of the humerus. At last, the proximal radioulnar joint is a pivot joint that enables rotation of the forearm, called pronation and supination.
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE ELBOW
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the elbow area. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
- Posterolateral Rotatory Instability (PLRI)
- Collateral Ligament Injury
- Lateral Epicondylalgia / Tennis Elbow
- Medial Epicondylalgia / Golfer’s Elbow
- Proximal Biceps Tendon Rupture
- Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the elbow area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of elbow-related conditions.
- Oxford Elbow Score
- Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE)
- Upper Extremity Functional Index
- Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH)
Upper extremity
Hand & Wrist
The wrist is one of the most complex anatomical structures and features eight bones that are collectively known as the carpus or carpal bones. The carpus is comprised of the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate.Moving distally, we will have the metacarpals and phalangeals, as well as the distal radius and ulna.
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE HAND AND WRIST
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the wrist & hand area. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- De Quérvain’s Disease / Paratenonitis of the thumb
- Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Lesions
- Intercarpal Instability
- CMC I Osteoarthritis
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the shoulder area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
- Phalen’s Test (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- Tinel’s Sign (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- Carpal Compression Test (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- Finkelstein’s Test (De Quérvain’s)
- TFCC Compression Test (TFCC lesion)
- Ulnar Grinding Test (TFCC lesion)
- Scaphoid Shift / Watson Test (Midcarpal instability)
- DRUJ Test (Midcarpal instability)
- MC Extension Test (CMCI OA)
- Grind Test (CMCI OA)
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of wrist and hand-related conditions.
- Brigham and Women’s Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire
- Upper Extremity Functional Index
- Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) Score
- Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH)
- Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire
Spine
Thoracic Spine
In contrast to the cervical and lumbar spine, less research is conducted on the thoracic spine. For this reason, Heneghan et al. (2016) called the thoracic spine the “Cinderella” region of the spine. Clinically, thoracic spine pain occurs between the levels of C7-T1 and T12-L1 and is often, but not exclusively, associated with pathologies such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, Scheuermann’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis (Briggs et al. 2009).
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE THORACIC SPINE
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the thoracic area. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Hypomobility of the Thoracic Spine
- Tietze Syndrome
- Thoracic Compression Fracture
- Costochondritis
- Lower Rib Pain Syndrome
- Xiphoidalgia
- Sternalis Syndrome
- Spontaneous sternoclavicular subluxation
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the shoulder area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
- Roos Test (TOS)
- Eden Test (TOS)
- Adson Test (TOS)
- Wright’s Test (TOS)
- Morley’s Test (TOS)
- Cyriax Release Test (TOS)
- Tinel’s Sign (TOS)
- Halstead / Costoclavicular Maneuver (TOS)
- First Rib Assessment
- Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion Test (1st Rib)
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of thoracic-related conditions.
- Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS)
- Revised Oswestry Thoracic Pain Disability Questionnaire
Spine
Lumbar Spine
Low back pain is aspecific in 90% of all cases. This means that no structural pathology can be detected as the source of back pain with the use of imaging techniques. In 10% of the cases, low back pain has a specific cause with about 1% linked to serious pathology (see screening). The other 9% are due to lumbosacral radicular syndrome, which is characterized by radicular pain in one leg with or without neurological symptoms.
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE LUMBAR SPINE
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the lumbar area. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
- Lumbosacral Radicular Syndrome
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)
- Facet Joint Pain
- Lumbar Motor Control Impairment
- Radiographic Lumbar Instability
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the lumbar area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
- Straight Leg Raise Test (SLR) / Lasègue Test (Radicular Pain)
- Crossed Straight Leg Raise Test (Radicular Pain)
- Slump Test (Minor Neurological Dysfunction)
- Prone Knee Bending / Reverse Lasègue Test (Radicular Pain)
- Lower Limb Myotome Testing (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
- Lower Limb Dermatome Testing (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
- Two-Stage Treadmill Test (Lumbar Spinal Stenosis)
- Kemp’s / Quadrant / Extension-Rotation Test (Facet Joint Pain)
- 3-Phase Test of Menell (Quick Low back, SIJ & Hip Test)
- Prone Instability Test (Radiographic Lumbar Instability)
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of lumbar-related conditions.
- Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS)
- Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
- STarT Back Screening Tool
- Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire
- Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ)
- McGill Pain Questionnaire
- Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS)
- Waddell Disability Index (WDI)
Spine
Sacroiliac Joint
The sacroiliac joint lies between the sacrum and the ilium and connects the spine to the pelvic bones. The SIJ transfers large bending moments and compression loads to the lower extremities and acts as a stress reliever in the ‘force–motion’ relationships between the trunk and lower limb. However, the joint does not have as much stability of its own against the shear loads but resists shear due to the tight wedging of the sacrum between hip bones on either side and the band of ligaments spanning the sacrum and the hip bones
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE SACROILIAC JOINT
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the SIJ area. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Sacroiliac Movement Dysfunction
- Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the SIJ area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of sacroiliac pain conditions. Be aware that these are identical to the ones used in the lumbar spine as both areas fall under the umbrella term of low back pain.
- Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS)
- Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
- STarT Back Screening Tool
- Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire
- Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ)
- McGill Pain Questionnaire
- Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS)
- Waddell Disability Index (WDI)
Lower Extremity
Hip Joint
The hip joint is a deep ball and socket joint comprised of the convex femoral head and the concave acetabulum of the pelvis. Similar to the glenohumeral joint, the acetabulum has a glenoidal lip or labrum around its edges for extra stability.
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE HIP
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the hip area. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the hip area. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
- FADDIR Test (Intra-articular hip pathology)
- AB-HEER Test (Mircoinstability)
- Thomas Test (Labrum Tear)
- Bent Knee Stretch Test (Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy)
- FADER Test (Gluteal Tendinopathy)
- Active Piriformis Test (Deep Gluteal Syndrome)
- Seated Piriformis Stretch Test (Deep Gluteal Syndrome)
- Ischiofemoral Impingement Test
- Cluster of Sutlive (Hip OA)
- Trendelenburg Sign (Hip OA)
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of the painful hip.
- Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS)
- Copenhagen Hip & Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS)
- Harris Hip Score
- WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index
- Oxford Hip Score
- International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT)
- Ibadan Knee/Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure (IKHOAM)
- Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
- VISA-G (GTPS)
- VISA-H (Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy)
Lower Extremity
Knee Joint
Knee injuries are amongst the most common injuries next to shoulder, low-back, and neck pain seen in general practice (Picavet et al. 2003). They can be divided into two logical subgroups: traumatic and atraumatic knee injuries.
Traumatic injuries commonly involve a specific mechanism of injury such as during sports and they usually have a rapid onset. Atraumatic injuries on the other hand are rather overuse injuries that build up gradually over time with an insidious onset.
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE KNEE
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the knee. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
- Meniscus Tear
- Medial Collateral Ligament Injury
- Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury
- Patellofemoral Pain (Syndrome)
- Hoffa’s / Infrapatellar Fat Pad Syndrome
- Patellar Tendinopathy
- Quadriceps Tendinopathy
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the knee joint. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
- Lachman Test (ACL Tear)
- Anterior Drawer Test (ACL Tear)
- Quadriceps Active Test (PCL Tear)
- McMurray Test (Meniscus Tear)
- Apley’s Test (Meniscus Tear)
- Valgus Stress Test (MCL Injury)
- Noble’s Compression Test (ITBS)
- Decline Step Down Test (PFPS)
- Royal London Hospital Test (Patellar Tendinopathy)
- Hoffa’s Test (Infrapatellar Fat Pad)
Questionnaires
Here, you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of the painful knee.
- Knee Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)
- Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS)
- Tegner Lysholm Knee Score
- ACL Return to Sport after Injury Survey (ACL-RSI)
- International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC)
- VISA-P (Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy)
- Knee Self-Efficacy Scale (K-SES)
- Cincinnati Knee Rating System
- Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
- WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index
- Ibadan Knee/Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure (IKHOAM)
Lower Extremity
Ankle/Foot Joint
First and foremost let’s talk a little bit about anatomy. The ankle joint consists of two different joints:
- The talocrural joint, which is a hinge joint allowing the two primary movements in the sagittal plane: plantar flexion and dorsiflexion
- The subtalar joint is considered a hinge joint as well but its rotational axis runs obliquely. The possible movements at this joint are inversion (a combination of plantar flexion, adduction, and supination) and eversion (a combination of dorsiflexion, abduction, and pronation).
SPECIFIC PATHOLOGIES IN THE ANKLE & FOOT
There are several pathologies that are commonly seen in the ankle & foot. For more information, click on the respective pathology (content will be added in the near future):
- Syndesmosis Injury
- Ankle Impingement
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Lateral Ankle Sprain
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Plantar Heel Pain / Plantar Fasciitis / Plantar Fasciopathy
- Ankle Fracture
- Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction
Orthopedic tests
Here, you can find an overview of the most common orthopedic tests used to assess the ankle & foot. If you are interested in the assessment of a certain condition, click on the respective pathology above. In case you are looking for a specific test, we recommend using the search function above.
- Anterior Drawer Test (Lateral Ankle Sprain)
- Talar Tilt Test (Lateral & Medial Ankle Sprain)
- Squeeze Test (Syndesmosis Injury)
- Heel Thrust Test (Posterior Ankle Impingement)
- Windlass Test (Plantar Heel Pain)
- Triple Compression Stress Test (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome)
- Thompson Test (Achilles Tendon Rupture)
- Arc Test (Achilles Tendinopathy)
- Royal London Hospital Test (Achilles Tendinopathy)
- Navicular Drop Test (PTTD)
Questionnaires
Here you can find an overview of questionnaires used in the evaluation of the painful ankle & foot.
- Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS)
- Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool
- Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
- Foot and Ankle Disability Index
- Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI)
- 8-Item Sports Subscale
