International Framework for Examination of the Cervical Region for Potential of Vascular Pathologies of the Neck Prior to Musculoskeletal Intervention: International IFOMPT Cervical Framework
The IFOMPT framework can support health care professionals who are working with cervical musculoskeletal conditions by supporting early identification of vascular pathologies, ensuring the best possible outcome for patients. It is based upon the best contemporary evidence and expert opinion, to assist all clinicians during their clinical-reasoning process.
Project status: Complete
This position statement, stemming from the International IFOMPT (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists) Cervical Framework, was developed based upon the best contemporary evidence and expert opinion to assist clinicians during their clinical reasoning process when considering presentations involving the head and neck. Developed through rigorous consensus methods, the International IFOMPT Cervical Framework guides assessment of the cervical spine region for potential vascular pathologies of the neck in advance of planned interventions. Within the cervical spine, events and presentations of vascular pathologies of the neck are rare but are an important consideration as part of patient examination. Vascular pathologies may be recognizable if the appropriate questions are asked during the patient history–taking process, if interpretation of elicited data enables recognition of this potential, and if the physical examination can be adapted to explore any potential vasculogenic hypothesis.
CANSpine Researcher
Alison Rushton
Collaborators
Lisa C Carlesso
Timothy Flynn
Wayne A Hing
Sidney M Rubenstein
Steven Vogel
Roger Kerry
Purpose
This position statement, based upon the best contemporary evidence and expert opinion, aims to summarize the IFOMPT 2020 framework and assist clinicians during their clinical-reasoning process when considering presentations involving the head and neck.
Findings
There are distinguishing features between patients presenting with vascular pathologies of the neck and patients who present with features of a musculoskeletal disorder. Vascular pathologies may be recognizable if the appropriate questions are asked during the patient history–taking process, if interpretation of elicited data enables recognition of this potential, and if the physical examination can be adapted to explore any potential vasculogenic hypothesis.
Impact
Within the cervical spine, events and presentations of vascular pathologies of the neck are rare but are an important consideration as part of patient examination. The framework is designed to aid patient-centered clinical reasoning in a subject area where uncertainty is an important consideration.
Key Publications
Rushton A, Carlesso LC, Flynn T, Hing WA, Rubinstein SM, Vogel S, Kerry R. Position Statement: International Framework for Examination of the Cervical Region for potential of vascular pathologies of the neck prior to Musculoskeletal Intervention: International IFOMPT Cervical Framework. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2023 Jan;53(1):7-22.
Rushton A, Rivett D, Carlesso L, Flynn T, Hing W, Kerry R. International framework for examination of the cervical region for potential of cervical arterial dysfunction prior to orthopaedic manual therapy intervention. Manual Therapy. 2014 Jun 1;19(3):222-8.
