8
Joint Regions
60+
Orthopaedic Tests
3
Special Populations
OSTEOPATHY
Referenced
Universal Modification Framework
| Population | Key Risks | Best Position Changes | Force / Technique Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnant | Avoid prolonged supine after ~20 weeks; avoid prone; ligamentous laxity; pelvic girdle pain risk. | Side-lying, seated, semi-reclined. Support bump with pillows. | Gentle force, avoid aggressive thrust, monitor dizziness/nausea. |
| Geriatric | Osteoporosis, reduced ROM, falls risk, polypharmacy, skin fragility. | Supported seated/supine. Avoid unsupported standing tests. | Low force, slow transitions, gentle overpressure, avoid high-velocity if unsafe. |
| Paediatric | Open growth plates, variable cooperation, different pathology spectrum. | Parent present, play-based positions, seated or supported as needed. | Minimal force, clear explanation, avoid excessive stress across physes. |
Key Exam Principle
If a patient cannot lie supine or prone, reproduce the same mechanical stress in another safe position — commonly side-lying or seated. The aim is to stress the tissue, not to copy the exact textbook position.
Jump to Any Joint Region
Each page contains red flags, orthopaedic tests with positions and positive findings, patient modifications, and paediatric considerations.
🦴
Lumbar & Pelvis
SLR, slump, SI tests, red flags
🧠Cervical Spine
VBI screen, Spurling, Adson's
💪Shoulder
Compass test, rotator cuff, impingement
✋Elbow & Wrist
Cozen's, Finkelstein, Phalen, Tinel
🦵Hip
FABER, FADIR, Thomas, Trendelenburg
🦵Knee
McMurray, Lachman, drawer tests
🦶Foot & Ankle
Anterior drawer, Thompson, Feiss line
😬TMJ
3 finger test, deviation, palpation
Universal Red Flags — All Regions
🚩 Immediate Referral
- Saddle anaesthesia + bladder/bowel dysfunction
- Progressive bilateral neurological deficit
- Fever / systemic illness with new spinal pain
- History of cancer with unexplained bone pain
- Acute trauma with deformity or neuro deficit
- Joint hot, swollen, with systemic symptoms
🧠 VBI Screen (Before Cervical Manipulation)
- Dizziness / vertigo
- Nystagmus
- Dysarthria / dysphagia
- Drop attacks
- Diplopia
- Nausea + apprehension
Reference: OSTEOPATHY Cervical & Thoracic Spine Assessment