Femoral nerve stretch test

Femoral Nerve Stretch Test

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A medical professional performing the Femoral Nerve Stretch Test

The Femoral Nerve Stretch Test (also known as the Femoral Nerve Tension Test and Ely's Test) is a physical examination procedure used to evaluate for lumbar radiculopathy and other pathologies involving the femoral nerve.

Procedure

The patient lies prone on the examination table. The examiner flexes the knee of the patient, stretching the quadriceps muscle and the femoral nerve. A positive test is indicated by pain in the anterior thigh or lower back, suggesting irritation or compression of the femoral nerve or one of its spinal roots (L2, L3, L4).

Clinical Significance

The Femoral Nerve Stretch Test is used to identify neuropathy of the femoral nerve, often caused by disc herniation or spinal stenosis. It can also be used to differentiate between iliopsoas muscle spasm and lumbar nerve root irritation.

See Also

• Straight leg raise
• Slump test
• Lasegue's sign