Summary
A new functional test using downhill walking is described and evaluated in relation to the myelographical examination in 23 consecutive patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication. Discomfort and changes of the neurological status, emerging during the walk, were accepted as test results. They were noted in a decision matrix and the positive and the negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) calculated. The PPV of any symptom or any deterioration of the neurological status, resulting from this test as signs of a myelographical abnormality, was calculated to be 86 and 89 per cent, respectively, the corresponding NPV's being 50 and 40 per cent, respectively. The NPV of these parameters as signs of a myelographically verified lumbar spinal stenosis was calculated to be 100 per cent, the corresponding PPV's being 38 and 44 per cent, respectively. The development of “symptommarch” or of bilateral neurological signs during the walk was found to be of approximately the same diagnostical value. We conclude, that this function test may serve as a screening procedure in patients complaining of neurogenic intermittent claudication.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Van Gelderen, C. Ein orthotisches (lordotisches) kaudasyndrom. Acta Psyciatr Scand 1948, 23, 57–63 (In German).
Dyck, P., Doyle, J.B. “Bicycle test” of van Gelderen in diagnosis of intermittent cauda equina compression syndrome. J Neurosurg 1977, 46, 667–70.
Lossius, A-M., Weber, H. Hvilken diagnostisk betydning har van Gelderens sykkeltest ved vertebrogen claudicatio ? Fysiotherapeuten 1983, 50, 335–6 (In Norwegian).
Surin, V. Syndrom av trång lumbal spinalkanal. Läkartidningen 1979, 76, 4802–6 (In Swedish).
Dahllöf, A-G., Irstam, L., Nachemson, A., Nordwall, A., Suurküla, M. Lumbal spinal stenos: Försummad differentialdiagnos vid claudicatio. Läkartidningen 1979, 76, 4807–10 (In Swedish).
Lie, H., Helgerud, E. Lumbai spinal stenose: Bruk av tredemølle i det diagnostiske arbeid. Tidsskr Nor Laegefor 1984, 104, 1729–32 (in Norwegian).
Johnson, K-E., Willner, S., Petterson, H. Analysis of operated cases with lumbar spinal stenosis. Acta Orthop Scand 1981, 52, 427–33.
Johansson, J.E., Barrington, T.W., Ameli, M. Combined vascular and neurogenic claudication. Spine 1982, 7, 150–8.
Jellinger, K., Neumayer, E. Claudication of the spinal cord and cauda equina. In: Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Eds: P.J. Vinken, G.W. Bruyen, North Holland, Amsterdam 1972, 507–47.
Verbiest, H. Pathomorphologic aspects of developmental lumbar stenosis. Orthop Clin N Am 1975, 6, 177–96.
Sortland, O., Magnaes, B., Hauge, T. Functional myelography with metrizamide in the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis. Acta Radiol 1977, suppl 355, 43–54.
Medical Research Council. Aids to the investigation of peripheral nerve injuries. War Memorandum No. 7. Revised second edition. London, Her Majesty's Stationary Office, 1943.
Jensen, O.H. The medial hamstring reflex in the level-diagnosis of a lumbar disc herniation. Clin Rheumatol 1987, 6, 570–4.
Hansen, E.B., Praestholm, J., Fahrenkrug, A., Bjerrum, J. A clinical trial of Amipaque in lumbar myelography. Br J Radiol 1976, 49, 34–8.
Ciric, I., Mikhael, M.A., Tarkington, J.A., Vick, N.A. The lateral recess syndrome. J Neurosurg 1980, 53, 433–43.
Dyck, P., Pheasant, H.C., Doyle, J.B., Rieder, J.J. Intermittent cauda equina compression syndrome: Its recognition and treatment. Spine 1977, 2, 75–81.
Kirkaldy-Willis, W.H., Paine, K.W.E., Cauchoix, J., MvIvor, G. Lumbar spinal stenosis. Clin Orthop 1974, 99, 30–50.
Søgaard, I., Madsen, F.F. Neurogenic intermittent claudication. Acta Neurochirurgica 1983, 69, 195–203.
Wilson, C.B., Ehni, G., Grollmus, J. Neurogenic intermittent claudication. Clin Neurosurg 1971, 18, 62–85.
Ullrich, C.G., Binet, E.F., Sanecki, M.G., Kieffer, S.A. Quantitative assessment of the lumbar spinal canal by computed tomography. Radiology 1980, 134, 137–143.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Jensen, O.H., Schmidt-Olsen, S. A new functional test in the diagnostic evaluation of neurogenic intermittent claudication. Clin Rheumatol 8, 363–367 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02030349
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02030349