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Adam's forward bend test
System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Bending forward at the waist with straight legs makes a one-sided rib hump appear at the back when the spine is rotated.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with structural scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
◈ Behind the name
William Adams (1820–1900), British orthopaedic surgeon.
Related signs — Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs
Browse the A section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.