Spine
Lumbo-Sacral Spine
Evidence: confirmed
Schober Sign Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Measuring Lumbar Flexion (specifically for Ankylosing Spondylitis).
How to Perform
- Marking: Mark a point 5cm below and 10cm above the S2 spinous process (total 15cm).
- Action: Patient bends forward to touch toes.
- Measurement: Measure the distance between the two points again.
Interpretation of Results
- Normal: The distance should increase from 10cm to at least 15cm (>5cm expansion).
- Positive: An increase of less than 5cm indicates restricted lumbar mobility.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Schober Sign should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Spine region, combining the Schober Sign with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System 3rd Edition.
