The correlation between Spurling test and imaging studies in detecting cervical radiculopathy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Cervical spine symptoms frequently lead to orthopedic consultations.
• Conventional imaging like CT scans (radiation exposure) and MRI (costly) have limitations.
• Identifying cost-effective diagnostic aids for cervical spine conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Spurling test in identifying patients with cervical radiculopathy.
• To determine if a simple clinical test can guide the need for cervical spine imaging.

Main Methods:

• Two hundred fifty-seven patients with clinical cervical radiculopathy were enrolled.
• A comprehensive physical examination, including the Spurling test, was performed.
• Results were correlated with subsequent cervical spine imaging (CT and/or MRI).

Main Results:

• The Spurling test demonstrated high sensitivity (95%) for detecting nerve root pathology.
• The test also showed high specificity (94%) in identifying nerve root pathology.
• A strong correlation was found between the Spurling test and imaging findings.

Conclusions:

• A positive Spurling test strongly suggests probable nerve root compression in the cervical spine.
• Patients with a positive Spurling test should be considered for further imaging studies.
• A negative Spurling test reduces the likelihood of significant nerve root compression.