In the Van der Wurff cluster, which maneuver is included?

In the Van der Wurff cluster, which maneuver is included?

• A. Tinel sign
• B. Straight leg raise
• C. McMurray test
• D. Thomas test

Answer: (B)

The main idea is using neural-tension tests to detect lumbar nerve root irritation. The Van der Wurff cluster comprises provocative maneuvers that stress the sciatic nerve and lumbar nerve roots to reproduce radicular symptoms. The straight leg raise does this most directly: with the patient lying on their back, the leg is lifted straight while the knee is extended, lengthening the neural tissues along the sciatic pathway. If that maneuver reproduces tingling, numbness, or pain down the leg, especially below the knee, it supports nerve-root–related irritation and fits the cluster’s purpose. The other options target different structures: Tinel sign taps nerves at superficial sites, McMurray checks for a meniscal tear, and the Thomas test assesses hip flexor tightness. Hence, straight leg raise is the maneuver included.

The main idea is using neural-tension tests to detect lumbar nerve root irritation. The Van der Wurff cluster comprises provocative maneuvers that stress the sciatic nerve and lumbar nerve roots to reproduce radicular symptoms. The straight leg raise does this most directly: with the patient lying on their back, the leg is lifted straight while the knee is extended, lengthening the neural tissues along the sciatic pathway. If that maneuver reproduces tingling, numbness, or pain down the leg, especially below the knee, it supports nerve-root–related irritation and fits the cluster’s purpose. The other options target different structures: Tinel sign taps nerves at superficial sites, McMurray checks for a meniscal tear, and the Thomas test assesses hip flexor tightness. Hence, straight leg raise is the maneuver included.