title: Diagnostic value of the lumbar extension-loading test in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The gait-loading test is a well known, important test with which to assess the involved spinal level in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. The lumbar extension-loading test also functions as a diagnostic loading test in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis; however, its efficacy remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of the lumbar extension-loading test with that of the gait-loading test in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 116 consecutive patients (62 men and 54 women) diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis were included in this cross-sectional study of the lumbar extension-loading test. Subjective symptoms and objective neurological findings (motor, sensory, and reflex) were examined before and after the lumbar extension-loading and gait-loading tests. The efficacy of the lumbar extension-loading test for establishment of a correct diagnosis of the involved spinal level was assessed and compared with that of the gait-loading test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between the lumbar extension-loading test and the gait-loading test in terms of subjective symptoms, objective neurological findings, or changes in the involved spinal level before and after each loading test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lumbar extension-loading test is useful for assessment of lumbar spinal stenosis pathology and is capable of accurately determining the involved spinal level.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan. naotot211@aol.com.
authors: Naoto
authors: N
authors: Takahashi
authors: Shin-Ichi
authors: S
authors: Kikuchi
authors: Shoji
authors: S
authors: Yabuki
authors: Koji
authors: K
authors: Otani
authors: Shin-Ichi
authors: S
authors: Konno
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D017288:Pain Threshold; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012018:Reflex; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016138:Walking; D016474:Weight-Bearing