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Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 4 / ULNT4

Ulnar Nerve, Nerve Roots C8-T1

Source: Physiotutors

Execution

  1. 1Have the patient lie supine while the examiner maintains shoulder girdle depression.
  2. 2Abduct the shoulder between about 10° and 90° and brings the hand toward the ear region.
  3. 3Position the elbow into flexion and place the wrist into extension with radial deviation.
  4. 4Position the shoulder in external rotation and adjusts forearm supination or pronation according to symptom response.
  5. 5Add contralateral cervical side flexion as a sensitising movement and compare with the opposite limb.

Positive outcome

Reproduction of the patient's familiar symptoms in an ulnar nerve or C8-T1 distribution. Symptoms should change with cervical side flexion or with unloading of the limb sequence.

Studies

StudyReliabilitySnSpLR+LR−
Petersen & Covill (2010)ICC 0.65 right; ICC 0.75 leftNANANANA
Kleinrensink et al. (2000)NANANANANA

CommentULNT4 is anatomically useful for ulnar nerve and lower cervical root bias, but diagnostic accuracy for cervical radiculopathy is sparse. Use it as part of a neurological and neurodynamic comparison rather than as a standalone diagnostic test.

Low Clinical Value

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