What is Bakody's sign and what does it indicate?

• A. Relief of radicular symptoms with arm elevation (shoulder abduction) indicating foraminal compression
• B. Worsening of radicular symptoms with arm elevation indicating central stenosis
• C. No change with arm movement
• D. Relief with neck extension indicating facet arthropathy

Answer: (A)

Bakody's sign, or the shoulder abduction test, checks whether cervical radiculopathy is due to compression at the neural foramen. When the patient places the hand on top of the head, the arm is abducted, which reduces nerve root tension and can slightly widen the foraminal space. If the radicular pain or numbness decreases with this maneuver, it points to foraminal compression as the source of symptoms. If there’s no relief or symptoms worsen, central canal stenosis or another non-foraminal source is more likely. So, relief with arm elevation specifically indicates foraminal compression.