Femoral Nerve Traction Test: Screening for High Lumbar Radiculopathy

The Femoral Nerve Traction Test is a neurodynamic test used to assess the upper lumbar nerve roots (L2, L3, L4). Unlike the Straight Leg Raise which tests the lower lumbar roots (sciatic nerve), this test focuses on the femoral nerve.

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of the Femoral Nerve Traction Test (also known as the Femoral Nerve Stretch Test) is to **screen for** compression or irritation of the upper lumbar nerve roots (L2, L3, and L4), which form the femoral nerve.

2. How to Perform

1. The patient lies on their non-affected side (sidelying) with the bottom leg slightly flexed for stability.
2. The patient's neck should be slightly flexed (chin tucked).
3. The examiner grasps the patient's affected (top) leg, supporting the knee.
4. The examiner passively extends the hip while keeping the knee flexed to 90 degrees.
5. If no symptoms appear, the examiner can further extend the hip to increase neural tension.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive test is the reproduction of pain or paresthesia (tingling) in the anterior (front) thigh. This indicates L2-L4 nerve root irritation.

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is no reproduction of neurological symptoms.

Note: A feeling of tightness or stretching in the front of the thigh is usually just quadriceps muscle tightness, not a positive neurological test.