Adam's forward bend test is used to screen for which spinal deformity?

Adam's forward bend test is used to screen for which spinal deformity?

• A. Scoliosis
• B. Kyphosis
• C. Lordosis
• D. Spondylolisthesis

Answer: (A)

The Adam forward bend test looks for scoliosis by revealing asymmetry and a rib prominence caused by vertebral rotation when the spine is flexed. Normally, bending forward should produce a symmetric back; a lateral curvature with rotation creates a rib hump on the convex side, which is the telltale sign of scoliosis. Kyphosis and lordosis involve different plane curvatures in the spine and aren’t primarily identified by this test, while spondylolisthesis is a vertebral slippage often confirmed with imaging rather than a screening maneuver. If a rib hump or asymmetry is noticed, follow up with imaging to measure the Cobb angle.

The Adam forward bend test looks for scoliosis by revealing asymmetry and a rib prominence caused by vertebral rotation when the spine is flexed. Normally, bending forward should produce a symmetric back; a lateral curvature with rotation creates a rib hump on the convex side, which is the telltale sign of scoliosis. Kyphosis and lordosis involve different plane curvatures in the spine and aren’t primarily identified by this test, while spondylolisthesis is a vertebral slippage often confirmed with imaging rather than a screening maneuver. If a rib hump or asymmetry is noticed, follow up with imaging to measure the Cobb angle.