Which action is taken during the slump test to assess nerve involvement?

• A. Dr extends both legs simultaneously
• B. Dr dorsiflexes the ankle and toes while extending the knee
• C. Dr rotates the torso while applying pressure
• D. Dr performs lateral flexion of the spine

Answer: (B)

The slump test is a neurological examination used to assess for nerve root irritation or involvement, particularly of the lumbar or sacral regions. During the slump test, the specific action of dorsiflexing the ankle and toes while extending the knee serves to put tension on the sciatic nerve and its branches. This maneuver is significant because it can reproduce symptoms such as pain or tingling if there is nerve involvement, indicating the presence of a nerve-related issue.

By extending the knee while maintaining dorsiflexion, tension is created along the entire nerve pathway from the lumbar spine through the lower extremity. If the patient experiences discomfort or pain during this maneuver, it suggests that there may be an underlying issue such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other forms of nerve root compression.

In contrast, the other actions described don't specifically target nerve involvement in the same way. The extension of both legs simultaneously applies stress in a general way, without isolating nerve tension. Rotating the torso while applying pressure can evaluate for musculoskeletal issues rather than specifically assessing nerve tension. Lateral flexion of the spine can assess for flexibility and spinal condition but does not directly assess for nerve root irritation like the dorsiflexion and knee extension does.