The L5 myotome tests which movement?

The L5 myotome tests which movement?

• A. Elbow flexion and wrist extension
• B. Knee extension
• C. Finger abduction and adduction
• D. Great toe extension and hip abduction

Answer: (D)

L5 is tested by movements that mainly involve the muscles it powers: extending the big toe and abducting the hip. The extensor hallucis longus, which extends the great toe, is a key L5-innervated muscle, and the hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus) rely heavily on L5. In the exam, you’d resist the patient’s big toe extension and hip abduction to see how strong those actions are. If L5 is the affected root, these movements will show weakness or be difficult to perform, while movements tested by other roots map to different levels (for example, knee extension to another level, etc.).

L5 is tested by movements that mainly involve the muscles it powers: extending the big toe and abducting the hip. The extensor hallucis longus, which extends the great toe, is a key L5-innervated muscle, and the hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus) rely heavily on L5. In the exam, you’d resist the patient’s big toe extension and hip abduction to see how strong those actions are. If L5 is the affected root, these movements will show weakness or be difficult to perform, while movements tested by other roots map to different levels (for example, knee extension to another level, etc.).