Rotoscoliosis motion testing

Rotoscoliosis motion testing evaluates the rotation of the vertebrae. Translatory motion testing evaluates side-bending motion. Lateral translation of the vertebra is coupled with side-bending in the opposite direction. Translatory motion of C4 toward the right is coupled with side-hend-ing of C4 to the left. For most cervical vertebrae, side-bending and rotation are coupled and occur... 

Rotoscoliosis motion testing provides another method to identify somatic dysfunction of a lumbar vertebra. This technique uses the principle that a type II somatic dysfunction will have a restriction to motion in all three planes of its ability to move. If a barrier is reached in flexion or extension, the vertebra will tend to rotate and side-bend towards its ease of motion. 

Discrepancies in findings between areas ofthe thoracic spine (T1-T12, T1-T8, orTl-T4) may indicate an area of dysfunction and should prompt the physician to examine this area more closely with the techniques of rotoscoliosis testing and intersegmental motion testing, described later. 

Rotoscoliosis testing and intersegmental motion testing are two diagnostic modalities for evaluating somatic dysfunction at a vertebral level. They can be used alone or in conjunction with each other, according to physician preference. 

Rotoscoliosis testing in the region of T4-T12 is identical to testing in the upper thoracic region, with the exception of differences in patient position for the different physiologic motions. 

---