Abstract: Introduction: To find out the sensitivity of the common points in history and physical examination in cases of degenerative lumbar spine disease at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Material and method: Retrospective study From January 2005 to December 2010. The medical files of the patients were reviewed for history and physical examination. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results: A total of 133 cases were reviewed. 92 (58.6%) were males and 65 (41.4%) were females. The mean age was 50.5 +/- 12.8 years. The most common degenerative lumbar spine changes were found at L4-5 levels. The sensitivities for pain radiation was 94.6%, for history of numbness was 73.06%, for history of motor weakness was 59%, for finding of motor weakness was 77.47%, and finding abnormal sensation was 59.75% and for finding abnormal reflexes was 95.92%. Conclusion: The sensitivity of the pointed neurological history and physical examination is variable with no single reliable point in the history or physical examination to ascertain the diagnosis of degenerative lumbar spine disease. Further diagnostic test(s) is required to confirm the diagnosis prior to initiating the treatment.
Keywords: lumbar, spine, sensitivity, specificity, diagnosis, Jeddah.
Title: What is the Weight of Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease Examination in the Matrix of Reaching the Diagnosis?
Author: Mohammed Bangash
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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