Which action is typically tested to assess the L5 myotome?

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Multiple Choice

Which action is typically tested to assess the L5 myotome?

The L5 myotome is tested by evaluating the big toe’s ability to extend, which is mainly controlled by the extensor hallucis longus. In practice, have the patient actively extend the big toe and apply gentle resistance to the dorsal surface of the toe to gauge strength. Weakness or inability to extend the great toe points to L5 involvement. Other movements map to different roots: knee extension tests L3-L4, ankle plantarflexion tests S1, and hip adduction tests L2-L4, so they don’t specifically assess the L5 myotome.

The L5 myotome is tested by evaluating the big toe’s ability to extend, which is mainly controlled by the extensor hallucis longus. In practice, have the patient actively extend the big toe and apply gentle resistance to the dorsal surface of the toe to gauge strength. Weakness or inability to extend the great toe points to L5 involvement.

Other movements map to different roots: knee extension tests L3-L4, ankle plantarflexion tests S1, and hip adduction tests L2-L4, so they don’t specifically assess the L5 myotome.

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