Spine Orthopaedic Test: Sacral Thrust Test

The sacral thrust test is a manual test used to evaluate the mobility of the sacroiliac joint. Here's a step-by-step procedure for performing the sacral thrust test:

1. Have the patient lie on their stomach on a treatment table.
2. Locate the patient's sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine).
3. Place one hand over the sacrum and the other hand over the patient's mid-back to stabilize the spine.
4. Apply a quick, posterior-to-anterior force to the sacrum using the hand over the sacrum.
5. Observe the patient's response for any pain or discomfort.

If the patient experiences pain or discomfort during the test, it may indicate sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

There is no universally accepted normal result for the sacral thrust test, as the interpretation of the test depends on the specific diagnostic criteria being used and the patient population being evaluated. The sacral thrust test is primarily used to identify sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and its sensitivity and specificity have been reported to vary widely depending on the specific diagnostic criteria and patient population being evaluated.

References:

1. DonTigny, R. L. (1985). A review of specific mobilization and stabilization exercises for the sacroiliac joint. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 1(1), 22-34.
2. Laslett, M. (2005). Evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of the painful sacroiliac joint. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 13(3), 152-161.
3. Slipman, C. W., Sterenfeld, E. B., Chou, L. H., Herzog, R., Vresilovic, E. J., & Freedman, M. K. (1998). The predictive value of provocative sacroiliac joint stress maneuvers in the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint syndrome. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 79(3), 288-292.