Cervical Distraction Test

What is the “Cervical Distraction Test” used for?

• Presence of Cervical Radiculopathy.

How to perform the “Cervical Distraction Test”?

• Patient lies supine and the neck is comfortably positioned.
• Examiner securely grasps the patient’s either by placing each hand around the patient’s mastoid processes, while standing at their head, or place one hand on their forehead and the other on the occiput.
• Slightly flex the patient’s neck and pull the head towards your torso, applying a distraction force

What is the positive result?

• A positive test is the reduction or elimination of symptoms with traction

Test Accuracy

• Sensitivity: 44 %
• Specificity: 97 %

References

• Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System 3rd Edition.
• Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention 3rd Edition.
• https://www.piriforme.fr/bdd/orthopedie/cervical/distraction