View source for Medicine:Schober's test

{{Short description|Physical examination to measure the ability to flex the lower back}}
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| purpose         = ability to flex lower back
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'''Schober's test''' is a physical examination used in family medicine, [[Medicine:Physical medicine and rehabilitation|physical medicine and rehabilitation]], [[Medicine:Rheumatology|rheumatology]] to measure the ability of a patient to flex the lower back.

==Procedure==
While the patient is in a standing position the examiner makes a mark approximately at the level of L5 (fifth lumbar vertebra). Two points are marked: 5 cm below and 10 cm above this point (for a total of 15 cm distance). Then the patient is asked to touch his/her toes while keeping the knees straight. If the distance of the two points do not increase by at least 5 cm (with the total distance greater than 20 cm), then this is a sign of restriction in the lumbar flexion.<ref>[http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/cache/1422917656.htm General Practice notebook]{{Dead link|date=December 2020}}</ref> This can be useful in examining a patient suspected of [[Medicine:Ankylosing spondylitis|ankylosing spondylitis]].

==History==
The test was first described in 1937 by Dr Paul Schober (March 11, 1865 - August 22, 1943), a German physician.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Schober P| title=Lendenwirbelsäule und Kreuzschmerzen|journal=Much Med Wochenschr |year=1937|volume=84|pages=336–339}}</ref><ref>{{Whonamedit|doctor|3263|Paul Schober}}</ref>

==References==
<references/>


[[Category:Rheumatology]]

{{Sourceattribution|Schober's test}}