Herniated Disk: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: None written.

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Tags: Musculoskeletal Tag this Diagnosis.

The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Herniated Disk are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Specific Findings

Crossed Straight Leg Raise

29%

88%

pain on affected side while raising contralateral leg

Study: Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Jun;22(3):471-82. PMID: 18519100

Sensitive Findings

Straight Leg Raise

91%

26%

passive flexion of hip with extended knee elicits radicular pain

Study: Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Jun;22(3):471-82. PMID: 18519100

Findings With Unspecified Accuracy

Bragard's Sign

No accuracy specified.

This test is done with the patient supine with both legs straight. The examiner straight leg raises the leg on the affected side until the point the patient feels pain. At this position, the examiner firmly dorsiflexes the foot. If there is an increase in radicular pain from the above, the test is considered positive.

Study: no study specified.

Naffziger's Sign

No accuracy specified.

manual compression of the jugular veins bilaterally. An increase or aggravation of pain or sensory disturbance over the distribution of the involved nerve root confirms the presence of an extruded intervertebral disk or other mass.

Study: no study specified.