Spine: modified Schober test: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Spine: modified Schober test

Sample item

In the modified Schober test for ankylosing spondylitis, a reduced lumbar flexion is indicated by what finding?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Increase in the distance between two marked points of less than 5 cm on forward flexion

In the modified Schober test, points are marked 10 cm above and 5 cm below the lumbosacral junction (15 cm in total). On flexion the distance should increase by at least 5 cm, and less than that indicates reduced lumbar mobility. Reduced chest expansion below 2.5 cm also supports AS.

Option by option

  • A. Increase of more than 10 cm on flexion

    Over 10 cm increase would be abnormally high.

  • B. Increase in the distance between two marked points of less than 5 cm on forward flexion (correct)

    Correct. An increase of under 5 cm shows restricted lumbar flexion.

  • C. No change after extension

    Extension is not used in the test.

  • D. Chest expansion of 5 cm

    Chest expansion of 5 cm is normal.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, Increase in the distance between two marked points of less than 5 cm on forward flexion. In the modified Schober test, points are marked 10 cm above and 5 cm below the lumbosacral junction (15 cm in total).

Why is "Increase of more than 10 cm on flexion" not the answer?

Over 10 cm increase would be abnormally high.

Why is "No change after extension" not the answer?

Extension is not used in the test.

Why is "Chest expansion of 5 cm" not the answer?

Chest expansion of 5 cm is normal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine: modified Schober test in Orthopaedics. On flexion the distance should increase by at least 5 cm, and less than that indicates reduced lumbar mobility. Reduced chest expansion below 2.5 cm also supports AS.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Spine: modified Schober test?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.