Cervical flexion deformity in ankylosing spondylitis

The severity of cervical flexion deformity in ankylosing spondylitis can be assessed by measuring the occiput to wall distance (Flesche test). With the patient standing erect, the heels and the buttocks are placed against a wall. The patient is then instructed to extend his or her neck maximally in an attempt to touch the wall with the occiput. The distance between the occiput and the wall is a measure of the degree of flexion deformity of the cervical spine.