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Recent Journal Updates

British J Clinical PharmacologyJun 26, 2026

Comparative effectiveness of dapagliflozin vs. empagliflozin on major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A real‐world prospective cohort study

Clinical Context

We think this has broad domain relevance to Modified Schober Test.

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Magnetic resonance imaging‐targeted biopsy with index lesion ipsilateral or bilateral systematic biopsy in prostate cancer: A multicenter, paired, noninferiority, observational trial

Clinical Context

We think this has broad domain relevance to Modified Schober Test.

BJOGJun 17, 2026

Anatomical–Motor Level Discrepancy in Prenatal Diagnosis of Open Spinal Dysraphism: A 12‐Year Retrospective Observational Study

Clinical Context

We think this has broad domain relevance to Modified Schober Test.

Modified Schober Test

Lumbar Expansion

+5cm

Normal Lumbar Mobility

Flexed Measurement

20 cm

15 cmNormal baseline25 cm

Baseline (standing)

15 cm

Fixed reference

Normal expansion

≥ 5 cm

Fully flexed

Method: Marks placed at the lumbosacral junction (S2), 10 cm above, and 5 cm below. Expansion measured during maximal forward flexion. Values < 5 cm increase suspicion of ankylosing spondylitis or significant lumbar stiffness.

Guidelines & Evidence

Verified

Last Review: 2026

When to Use

Screening for reduced lumbar flexion mobility in low back pain assessment

Surveillance of axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis) — to monitor disease progression and treatment response

Pre-participation and return-to-sport assessment of lumbar spinal mobility in athletes

Component of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI)

Objective documentation of lumbar spinal range of motion in clinical practice and research

Key Indication — Axial SpA

Expansion < 5 cm is a red flag for inflammatory axial disease. Combined with morning stiffness > 30 minutes, age of onset < 45, and improvement with exercise (not rest), low Modified Schober should prompt HLA-B27 testing and sacroiliac joint MRI.

When Not to Use in Isolation

Not a diagnostic test for ankylosing spondylitis alone — must be combined with clinical and imaging criteria (ASAS 2009)

Poor discrimination in mild cases — values 4–6 cm overlap significantly between normal and early SpA

Not validated for acute lumbar pain episodes — mobility is pain-limited and results are unreliable

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026

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