Dermatome Testing of the Lower Extremity: Peripheral Neurological Examination for Physical Therapists

By dpope2020

October 6, 2023

back pain, back pain diagnosis, back pain treatment, dan pope, dermatomal testing, dermatomes, dermatomes testing l1 - s2, dermatomes testing of the lower limb, fitness pain free, herniated disc, herniated disc diagnostic, herniated disc recovery, low back pain, low back pain diagnosis, low back pain physical therapy, lower back pain, lower limb dermatomes, physical therapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy for back pain, radiculopathy examination

Dermatome Testing of the Lower Extremity: Peripheral Neurological Examination

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In today's video we go over Dermatome Testing of the Lower Extremity: Peripheral Neurological Examination: 

Join me as we delve into the world of dermatome testing for the lower extremity.  Dermatome testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing lumbosacral radiculopathy, helping us not only confirm the diagnosis but also pinpoint the exact level of injury. However, it's important to note that dermatomal testing isn't a perfect science, with studies showing a sensitivity and specificity of around 60%.  I'll guide you through the process, focusing on assessing pinprick sensitivity, as it's a common method used in research.

Throughout the video, I'll demonstrate how to assess key dermatomes, including L2, L3, L4, L5, and S1. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of dermatome testing for the lower extremity.  Your patients deserve the best care, and we're here to help you deliver it.

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:10 - What is a dermatomal testing
  • 0:23 - Problems with diagnostics
  • 1:05 - The L2 dermatomal testing
  • 1:56 - The L3 dermatomal testing
  • 2:04 - The L4 dermatomal testing
  • 2:13 - The L5 dermatomal testing
  • 2:22 - The S1 dermatomal testing
  • 2:31 - Conclusion 

Dermatomes on point...

- Dan Pope DPT,OCS,CSCS

Show Notes / Relevant Articles:

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Thank you!

Dan Pope DPT, OCS, CSCS

References: 

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Images:

  1. Intervertebral disc: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:716_Intervertebral_Disk.jpg attribution: OpenStax College, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Herniated disc: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:728_Herniated_Disk.jpg attribution: OpenStax College, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Functional Spinal Unit: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Functional_spinal_unit_(FSU).webp attribution: Irina Nefedova, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Spinal Canal: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spinal_canal.webp attribution:Irina Nefedova, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Dermatomes: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dermatomes_labeled,_female_front-back_3d-shaded.svg attribution: Goran_tek-en, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  6. Epidural: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Epidural_Anesthesia.png Attribution: BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Modified by Fitness Pain Free LLC