Which orthopedic test is used to evaluate chest wall mobility in Ankylosing Spondylitis?

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Multiple Choice

Which orthopedic test is used to evaluate chest wall mobility in Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Chest wall mobility is best assessed by measuring chest expansion, because Ankylosing Spondylitis often restricts motion of the thoracic cage and costovertebral joints. Measuring how much the chest circumference changes from full expiration to full inspiration directly reflects how well the chest wall can expand during breathing. To perform it, measure around the chest at the level of the nipple line or the fourth intercostal space. Have the patient exhale fully, then inhale fully and note the difference in circumference. A normal expansion is typically about 2.5 cm (1 inch) or more in adults; a reduced value indicates limited chest wall mobility, which is common in AS. The other tests target movements of the neck, lumbar spine, or hip strength, which don’t directly quantify thoracic cage expansion or chest wall mobility.

Chest wall mobility is best assessed by measuring chest expansion, because Ankylosing Spondylitis often restricts motion of the thoracic cage and costovertebral joints. Measuring how much the chest circumference changes from full expiration to full inspiration directly reflects how well the chest wall can expand during breathing.

To perform it, measure around the chest at the level of the nipple line or the fourth intercostal space. Have the patient exhale fully, then inhale fully and note the difference in circumference. A normal expansion is typically about 2.5 cm (1 inch) or more in adults; a reduced value indicates limited chest wall mobility, which is common in AS.

The other tests target movements of the neck, lumbar spine, or hip strength, which don’t directly quantify thoracic cage expansion or chest wall mobility.

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