II. Technique

  1. Perform in two positions
    1. Supine Low Back Exam
    2. Sitting Low Back Exam
  2. Discrepancy between 2 positions suggests Malingering
  3. Flex hip from 180 to 90 degrees

III. Interpretation: Criteria for positive test

  1. Sciatic Pain at 30 to 70 degrees
  2. Aggravation of pain with dorsiflexion of the foot
  3. Relief of pain by knee flexion

IV. Interpretation: What patient experiences

  1. Radiating pain into the legs
    1. Suggests radiculopathy
    2. Higher likelihood findings suggesting radiculopathy
      1. Excruciating Sciatica-like pain
      2. Pain occurs at 30 to 40 degrees of leg elevation
  2. Pain radiates into opposite leg (Crossed Straight Leg Raise)
    1. Indicates severe impingement
    2. Almost always is due to a large disk Herniation

V. Modifications

  1. Lasegue's Test
    1. Dorsiflex foot while performing Straight Leg Raise
  2. Slump Test
    1. Patient sits upright and then flexing at waist with head to knees, in slumped position
    2. Patient lifts leg

VI. Efficacy: Predicting Lumbar Disc Herniation

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