KERNIG - BRUDZINSKI

SIGN (LUMBAR SPINE)

​• Test positioning

The client lies supine with the hands cupped behind the head.

The therapist stands next to the client.

​• Action

The client is instructed to flex the cervical spine by lifting the head.

Each hip is unilaterally flexed to no more than 90-degrees by the client.

The client then flexes the knee to no more than 90-degrees.

The opposite leg remains on the examining table.

​• Positive finding

The test is confirmed by increased pain (that is either localized or radiates into the lower extremity) with neck and hip flexion.

The pain is relieved when the knee is flexed.

The pain is indicative of meningeal irritation, nerve root impingement, or dural irritation that is exaggerated by elongating the spinal cord.

​• Special considerations & comments

The considerations are similar to the straight leg raise test except the neck is flexed and the hip is actively flexed.

The neck flexion component of this test was developed by Kernig, and the hip flexion component was developed by Brudzinski.