We all know that a positive Adams Test is used to diagnose scoliosis and should be followed up by and x-ray to confirm the magnitude of the curve with a Cobb angle. But again, do we know the history behind its origin? (I always get thrilled when I find these rare historical pieces of information)

William Adams was the first to describe “the stooping position as diagnostic of lateral curvature in the early stage” as a test to diagnose scoliosis, back in 1865. It became later known as the ‘Adams Forward Bending Test’ and it has since been used all over the world in screening for scoliosis. The test itself is very simple, ask a person standing with straight legs to bend their body forward and look for unevenness between the left and right side along the spine, most common finding is a ‘rib bulge’ on the right side and if you find it then the Adams test is positive.

You can read more about scoliosis from William Adams, the leading expert in his days, in his historical book “Lectures on the pathology and treatment of lateral and other forms of curvature of the spine“.

It is rather heavy reading…