The Adams forward bend test is a clinical test to assess the presence of scoliosis.
Technique
Exclusion of a limb length discrepancy is considered important prior to performing the test. The patient is asked to bend forward with feet together, arms hanging and knees extended until the back becomes horizontal,
The examiner assesses from behind looking for indicators of scoliosis which include:
- spinal asymmetry
- unlevelled shoulders
- scapular asymmetry
- unlevelled hips
- head not lining up with the pelvis
- a rib hump
History and etymology
It was first described by William Adams in 1865 1.
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