Special Tests for the Hip

Question 1

What does the straight leg raise asses?

Answer 1

It assesses the hamstrings and the integrity of the hip

Also for sciatic pain and pressure and patients who have compression in the lumbar spine

Question 2

What is the starting position for the straight leg raise?

Answer 2

Supine with both legs straight and both knees straight

Question 3

What is the test movement for the straight leg raise?

Answer 3

Flex the hip until tight, pain, or sub patters
You can assist them
Check bilaterally

Question 4

What are possible results of the straight leg raise

Answer 4

Normal: 70-80 degrees
Sciatic nerve: pain before 70
Tight hamstring or back pain: posteriorly tilts pelvis

Question 5

What does the flip test measure?

Answer 5

Checks for malingering if the patient experiences pain in the straight leg raise, have the sit up and raise their leg and see if they still have the pain

Question 6

Position for measuring leg length

Answer 6

Position the client in supine
Apply traction to both ankles to reduce compensation
Hips should be about 20 cm apart

Question 7

How do you measure leg length?

Answer 7

Measure from ASIS to medial or lateral malleolus
Typical is medial, but use lateral with muscular issues
Pick one and go with it

Question 8

Results for measuring leg length

Answer 8

Difference of greater than 3/8 inch or 1.5cm is an issue
If greater than 1/2 an inch: issue
If less than 1/2 an inch: not an issue

Question 9

What does the Thomas test measure

Answer 9

Hip flexor tightness or contracture

Question 10

Position for Thomas test

Answer 10

Lay supine

Look at back for excessive lumbar lordosis

Question 11

Test movement for Thomas test

Answer 11

Bring both knees to chest
Hold one and release the other to lay flat on the table
Watch for excessive lumbar lordosis

Question 12

What is a positive Thomas test

Answer 12

Inability to extend the leg and rest the thigh on the table

Question 13

What does the Obers test measure

Answer 13

Tightness of Tensor Fasciae Lata and Iliotibial Band

Question 14

Test position for Obers test

Answer 14

Sidelying with the tested limb on top

Bend the bottom leg and put knee flat on table

Question 15

Test movement for Obers test

Answer 15

Passively abduct and extend the top leg and support the pelvis
Release the upper leg in this position

Question 16

What is a positive Obers test

Answer 16

The leg will not rest on the table

Question 17

What does Trendelenburg Sign test for?

Answer 17

Weakness of gluteus medius

Question 18

Test position for Trendelenburg

Answer 18

Standing

Question 19

Test movement for Trendelenburg

Answer 19

Looking at the posterior pelvis, the hips should be even

Then ask to stand on one foot, then the other

Question 20

Results for Trendelenburg

Answer 20

Positive if pelvis does not remain even

Positive if pelvis drops toward unsupported side (gluteus medius of the WB side is weak or nonfunctional)

Question 21

What is the Piriformis test for?

Answer 21

Testing for tightness in the piriformis and to see if it is responsible for pain in the buttocks and down the sciatic nerve distribution

Question 22

Test position for Piriformis test

Answer 22

Sidelying with test leg on top at 60-90 degrees of hip flexion and 90 degrees of knee flexion

Question 23

Test movement for Piriformis test

Answer 23

Passively push knee to the table and stabilize the hip

Question 24

What is a positive result for the Piriformis test?

Answer 24

Pain in buttocks or down the sciatic nerve

Question 25

Position for Piriformis stretch

Answer 25

Supine, cross one leg over the other at knee, clasp hands behind bottom leg, pull both legs towards chest

Question 26

What is the Seated Weight Bearing test/no-name/Dr. Denham said so test

Answer 26

Assess general seated posture
Sit on firm surface
Slide hands under buttocks to see if pressure is even
Have client reach across midline to both sides and see if weight bearing is even

Question 27

Colors for the Weight Bearing test map from good/okay to bad

Answer 27

Blue, green, yellow, red