Duchenne Sign

What is Duchenne Sign?

The Duchenne sign is used to assess a nerve root disorder.

The procedure of Performing the Duchenne Sign

Position of the Position – The patient lies in a supine position.

Examiner’s Role

• The examiner grasps the patient’s heel with their left hand.
• With the index finger of the right hand, the examiner presses the first metatarsal head of the foot posteriorly.

• From this position, the examiner asks the patient to flex his foot.

Assessment of the Duchenne Sign

If there is a presence of disk disorder that affects the S1 nerve root, the patient will not be able to resist the finger pressure. Therefore, this indicate a positive duchenne sign.

The paresis of the peroneus muscle causes supination of the foot due to the action of posterior or anterior tibial muscles. 

What is the difference between paralysis and paresis?

The main difference between paresis and paralysis is that a paresis patient can still move the affected muscles or muscles. However, these movements are weaker than normal. In comparison, a person who has paralysis isn’t able to move a group of muscles or a specific muscle.

If the patient is able to resist the examiner’s finger pressure then this indicates a negative duchenne sign.

Here is the video tutorial

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Resources

Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System: Examinations-Signs-Phenomena by K. Buckup