title: The diagnostic accuracy of the Kemp's test: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this review was to evaluate the existing literature regarding the accuracy of the Kemp's test in the diagnosis of facet joint pain compared to a reference standard.
  
  
  METHODS
  Several databases were searched. All diagnostic accuracy studies comparing the Kemp's test with an acceptable reference standard were included. Included studies were scored for quality and internal validity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five articles met the inclusion criteria of this review. Two studies had a low risk of bias, and three had a low concern regarding applicability. Pooling of data from studies using similar methods revealed that the test's negative predictive value was the only diagnostic accuracy measure above 50% (56.8%, 59.9%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Currently, the literature supporting the use of the Kemp's test is limited and indicates that it has poor diagnostic accuracy. It is debatable whether clinicians should continue to use this test to diagnose facet joint pain.
authors.affiliation: Division of Graduate Education and Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
authors.forename: Kent
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stuber
authors.affiliation: Private practice, Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lerede
authors.affiliation: Private practice, Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
authors.forename: Kevyn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kristmanson
authors.affiliation: Private practice, Oakville, Ontario.
authors.forename: Sandy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sajko
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor and CCRF Research Chair in Neuromusculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bruno
keywords: Kemp test; chiropractic; diagnosis; facet; joint; pain