The crossed femoral nerve stretch test to improve diagnostic sensitivity for the high lumbar radiculopathy: 2 case reports

The femoral nerve stretch test (FNST) is commonly used to assess high lumba r radiculopathy. It may be falsely positive secondary to tight or injured m uscles of the anterior thigh, and to osseous or joint pathology in and abou t the hip. We report on the crossed FNST, which may improve the specificity of the FNST. Two cases that occurred within 2 months are presented. The ph ysical examinations suggested high lumbar radiculopathy, which was confirme d by both the FNST and crossed FNST. The crossed FNST may thus be a valuabl e screening test that further supports a diagnosis of upper lumbar radiculo pathy. Further study is necessary to identify its prevalence in the assessm ent of the high lumbar radiculopathy.