International Framework for Red Flags for Potential Serious Spinal Pathologies

Finucane, Laura M, Downie, Aron, Mercer, Christopher, Greenhalgh, Susan M, Boissonnault, William G, Pool-Goudzwaard, Annelies L, Beneciuk, Jason M, Leech, Rachel L and Selfe, James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9931-4998 (2020) International Framework for Red Flags for Potential Serious Spinal Pathologies. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 50 (7). pp. 350-372. ISSN 0190-6011

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Abstract

SYNOPSIS:The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) led the development of a framework to help clinicians assess and manage people who may have serious spinal pathology. While rare, serious spinal pathology can have devastating and life-changing or life-limiting consequences, and must be identified early and managed appropriately. Red flags (signs and symptoms that might raise suspicion of serious spinal pathology) have historically been used by clinicians to identify serious spinal pathology. Currently, there is an absence of high-quality evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of most red flags. This framework is intended to provide a clinical-reasoning pathway to clarify the role of red flags. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 21 May 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9971.