PAS Spinal Alignment & Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which spinal curvature is considered a secondary curve that develops after birth when an infant begins to hold up their head?
- Thoracic kyphosis
- Lumbar lordosis
- Cervical lordosis (Correct answer)
- Sacral kyphosis
Correct answer: Cervical lordosis
Cervical lordosis is a secondary curve that develops postnatally as the infant gains head control.
Question 2: During a lateral view postural assessment, a plumb line should ideally pass through which anatomical landmark at the foot?
- The heel
- The fifth metatarsal head
- Slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus (Correct answer)
- The first metatarsal head
Correct answer: Slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus
The plumb line in lateral view should pass slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus for ideal alignment.
Question 3: A client presents with excessive anterior pelvic tilt. Which spinal curve is most likely to be exaggerated as a compensation?
- Thoracic kyphosis
- Cervical kyphosis
- Lumbar lordosis (Correct answer)
- Thoracic lordosis
Correct answer: Lumbar lordosis
Anterior pelvic tilt causes the lumbar spine to increase its lordotic curve to maintain balance.
Question 4: The Adam's Forward Bend Test is primarily used to screen for which spinal condition?
- Lumbar stenosis
- Scoliosis (Correct answer)
- Hyperkyphosis
- Spondylolisthesis
Correct answer: Scoliosis
The Adam's Forward Bend Test reveals the rib hump or trunk rotation characteristic of scoliosis.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'flat back' posture?
- Increased lumbar lordosis with anterior pelvic tilt
- Reduced lumbar lordosis with posterior pelvic tilt (Correct answer)
- Lateral deviation of the spine
- Increased thoracic kyphosis only
Correct answer: Reduced lumbar lordosis with posterior pelvic tilt
Flat back posture is characterized by decreased lumbar lordosis accompanied by posterior pelvic tilt.
Question 6: When assessing spinal alignment from a posterior view, a posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) height difference most directly suggests what?
- Scoliosis
- Leg length discrepancy or pelvic obliquity (Correct answer)
- Thoracic kyphosis
- Cervical forward head posture
Correct answer: Leg length discrepancy or pelvic obliquity
Uneven PSIS heights indicate a leg length discrepancy or pelvic obliquity affecting spinal alignment.
Question 7: Which muscle group, when chronically shortened, most directly contributes to increased lumbar lordosis?
- Hamstrings
- Hip flexors (iliopsoas) (Correct answer)
- Gluteus maximus
- Rectus abdominis
Correct answer: Hip flexors (iliopsoas)
Tight hip flexors pull the lumbar spine into extension, increasing lordosis and causing anterior pelvic tilt.
PAS Spinal Alignment & Assessment 2
Which spinal curvature is considered a secondary curve that develops after birth when an infant begins to hold up their head?