Thomas test

The Thomas - handle ( by Hugh Owen Thomas, a British orthopedic surgeon, from 1834 to 1891 ) is an investigation of orthopedics. It is used in the hip joint for the detection of a flexion contracture.

Application

Through a hyperlordosis ( hyperextension with hollow cross) in the lumbar spine can be compensated for, so be obfuscated in a supine patient a shortening of the hip flexor muscles. That's why at the Thomas handle a leg in maximum hip flexion ( knee bent at ) brought, so that the hollow back is canceled. A hip flexion of the other leg then seen by lifting the thigh of the pad because its shortened hamstrings ( eligible iliopsoas, tensor fascia latae and quadriceps femoris) advised by tilting the pelvis under train. To check that the lumbar lordosis is actually released, the examiner can place a hand between lumbar spine and examination table.

This extension deficit (or flexion contracture ) can be determined as at the onset of osteoarthritis of the hip or pronounced ( coxarthrosis ).

Swell

  • Roche Medical Dictionary, 5th ed, Urban & Fischer 2003, Thomas keyword Handle
  • Thomas 's test at whonamedit.com
  • Diagnostic procedures in orthopedics and trauma surgery
  • Clinical examination procedures
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