Purpose: To assess sacroiliac motion restrictions.
Test Position: Standing.
Performing the Test: The examiner palpates the PSIS on the tested side with one hand and S2 spinous process with the other hand. The patient then flexes the opposite hip past 90 degrees. Should movement of the PSIS occur in the superior direction, the test is positive. A negative test is no movement.
Diagnostic Accuracy: Unknown.
Importance of Test:It is a debatable topic as to whether there is motion occurring at the SI joint. This test is used to determine if restrictions are present in the sacroiliac joint. With flexion of the opposite leg past 90 degrees, the structures on the posterior side of the pelvis become taught and should rotate the opposite inominate in a posterior direction relative to the sacrum. However, if there is a limitation in motion at the opposite SI joint, it feels like the ipsilateral PSIS is moving superiorly relative to the sacrum in order to make up for the restricted motion. It should be noted that abnormal SI motion can be found in asymptomatic patients, so this test should not be used to triangulate the origin of the patient's symptoms.
Note: tests should only be performed by a properly trained health care practitioner.