User's Manual

150
Performing Spinal Range of Motion Evaluations
Following is a table of landmarks for spinal evaluations:
Area to be
Assessed
Superior
Landmark
Inferior
Landmark
Cervical Spine Occiput T1
Thoracic Spine T1 T12
Lumbosacral Spine T12 Sacral Midpoint
Sacral/Hip Flexion/Extension Sacral midpoint Lateral Thigh
Gross Combined hip and spinal flexion/extension T1 Sacral Midpoint
Straight Leg Raise -- Not Applicable -- Anterior Lower Leg
Guidelines to Locating The Landmarks
Occiput - Locate the Occipital protuberance and place the lowest portion of the Inclinometer directly
above it.
T1 - This is usually the larger of the two protruding spinous processes at the base of the cervical spine
near the height of the shoulders. It is easily identified when the client flexes their cervical spine.
T12 - Follow the lower ribs posteriorly to the spinous process.
Sacral Midpoint Follow the iliac crests posteriorly to the PSIS, medially into the sacral sulcus and then
medially to the midline. While maintaining one hand at the midline at this level, locate the sacrococcygeal
joint. Now locate the midpoint between these two landmarks.
Lateral Thigh-Locate the Greater Tuberosity and place the tip of the Inclinometer just inferior.
Anterior Lower Leg-Locate the Tibial Tubercle and follow the anterior ridge of the tibia inferiorly
approximately two-thirds down the lower leg.
For Single Unit Use-Place distally to the joint being assessed in the plane of movement. If there is
compound joint movement use the Dual Inclinometer method of landmarking.
For Dual Unit Use-Place one unit distally and one unit proximally to the joint being assessed, ensuring to
not include the other joint(s) that are involved in the compound movement. Align the sensors in the plane
of movement.
Most importantly, in order to do effective range of motion evaluations with consistency,
ensure that the same landmarks are used each time.
It is important to have the client wear appropriate clothing that exposes, or provides for,
easy access to the landmarks. You may wish to stock such items as cloth or paper client
g
owns for this reason.