differential diagnosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Spinal claudication is differentiated from intermittent claudication by:

  • normal peripheral pulses and no femoral bruits
  • the characteristic requirement for lumbar flexion during recovery
  • patients with spinal claudication can cycle long distances and walk short distances; intermittent claudication results in limitation in cycling and walking

Spinal claudication is differentiated from typical lumbar disc prolapse by:

  • a normal straight leg raise test