Schober's test

Schober's test is a physical examination used in rheumatology to measure the ability of a patient to flex their lower back. The test is named after the Austrian ophthalmologist, Dr. Ottomar Schober who first described it.

Procedure

The test is performed with the patient standing upright. A mark is made on the skin over the spinous process of the dorsal vertebra (usually the 5th). Another mark is made 10 cm above this. The patient is then asked to bend forward as far as possible. The distance between the two marks is measured again. An increase of less than 5 cm is considered a positive Schober's test, indicating limited flexion of the lumbar spine.

Clinical significance

Schober's test is used to assess for ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause the vertebrae in the spine to fuse, resulting in a rigid spine. It can also be used to monitor disease progression in patients with known ankylosing spondylitis.

Limitations

While Schober's test is a useful tool in the assessment of lumbar spine mobility, it has its limitations. It is not specific for ankylosing spondylitis and can be positive in any condition that limits lumbar spine flexion. Furthermore, the test does not assess lateral or rotational mobility of the spine.

See also

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Spine
• Rheumatology

References

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  Schober's test