Vinterberg proposed a simple clinical score for evaluating a patient with a herniated lumbar disc prior to lumbar disc surgery.
Parameters:
(1) sciatica ipsilateral to hernitation
(2) dermatomal hypoalgesia
(3) motor deficit
(4) depressed or absent deep tendon reflexes (DTR)
(5) straight leg raising test
(6) crossed straight leg raising test
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
ipsilateral sciatica |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
dermatomal hypoalgesia |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
motor deficit |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
2 |
|
depressed or absent DTR |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
straight leg raising test |
negative or positive at >= 60° |
0 |
|
|
positive 30 to 59° |
1 |
|
|
positive at < 30° |
2 |
|
crossed straight leg raising |
negative or positive at > 60° |
0 |
|
|
positive at < 60° |
1 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 6 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 8
• The higher the score the more likely that there is nerve root involvement.
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic
ICD-10: ,
