VIDEO 12. Tests for Sacroiliac Joint Examination

Faber-Patrick test:

During the FABER (Patrick) Test, the patient assumes a supine position while the hip undergoes flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Subsequently, gentle posterior force is applied to the ipsilateral knee until maximal range of motion is achieved. Additional minor oscillations may be administered to ascertain pain provocation at the extremity of motion. A positive result is indicated by the reproduction of the patient’s pain or by limitations in range of motion.

Gaenslen test:

With the participant in supine position on the examination table, the lower extremity close to the evaluator is suspended from the bed, the hip joint is brought to maximal hyperextension, while the other lower extremity is passively brought to maximal flexion of the hip and knee joint. The test is considered positive if there is pain in the sacroiliac joint on the side suspended from the bed.

Straight leg raise:

With the patient supine and the physiotherapist on the side to be tested, the physiotherapist’s distal hand grasps the patient’s heel, while the other hand is on the anterior aspect of the patient’s thigh to maintain knee extension. The physiotherapist slowly raises the leg until she feels no tension or until a full range of motion is achieved. The patient is asked to slowly lower the leg until the pain or tightness disappears, at which point they are asked to dorsiflex the foot and flex the neck.

Sacroiliac compression test:

The participant is positioned on the side with the hips flexed 45° and knees flexed 90°. A compression force is applied from the upper iliac crista to the lower iliac crista with the assessor behind the patient. The test is considered positive if there is pain in the sacroiliac joint.