Final answer:
Two performance tests for cervical cord compression are the resisted shoulder shrug and sensory examination. These tests evaluate muscle strength and sensory nerve function to detect potential compression-related damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specific performance tests for cervical cord compression focus on assessing neurological function and detecting signs of nerve impairment. The two key tests described are:
Resisted Shoulder Shrug: This test evaluates the strength of the muscles innervated by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI), which may be affected by cervical cord compression. The patient is asked to shrug their shoulders while the examiner applies resistance. Any asymmetry or weakness could indicate damage to the nerve pathways.
Sensory Examination: Sensory tests involve the patient closing their eyes and identifying when they feel the touch of a pen on various parts of the body. Inability to accurately detect sensation, or reports of "pins and needles", may suggest sensory nerve damage related to spinal cord compression.
The resisted shoulder shrug and sensory examination are two specific performance tests to assess potential cervical cord compression, looking for muscle weakness and sensory deficits, respectively.