Special Tests

Question 1

Leg length

Answer 1

True shortening
- ASIS to inf. border of med. mallelous
Apparent shortening
- Tip of xiphoid process to inf. border of med. malleolus

Question 2

Trendelenberg test

• Use
• Technique

Answer 2

> Used to test ability of hip abd. to stabilise pelvis on femur.
- Patient standing on unaffected leg, flex knee of problem leg to right angle.

Question 3

Trendelenberg test

• Positive
• Negative

Answer 3

> Pos: when standing on problem leg and flex normal leg - pelvis tilts downwards on unsupported side.
Neg: Pelvis remains level or tilt upwards slightly when standing on normal leg.

Question 4

Thomas test

• Use
• Technique

Answer 4

> Performed to determine the presence of a fixed flexion deformity (FFD) at the hip joint.

• Stand on side of affected hip.
• Hand under lumbar spine
• Ask model to flex hip fully towards chest (hand should be compressed)

Question 5

Thomas test

• Positive
• Negative

Answer 5

> Pos: opposite hip rises from plinth = loss of ext. therefore FFD.
Neg: thigh should remain in contact with plinth.