Spine Orthopaedic Test: Sacroiliac Distraction Test

The Sacroiliac Distraction Test is a physical examination technique used to assess for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Here are the steps to perform the Sacroiliac Distraction Test:

1. Have the patient lie down on their back on the examination table with their legs straight.
2. Place one hand on the patient's affected hip and the other hand on the patient's sacrum, which is the triangular bone at the base of the spine.
3. Apply a gentle, upward force on the patient's hip and a gentle, downward force on the patient's sacrum, distracting the sacroiliac joint.
4. Ask the patient to report any pain or discomfort in the sacroiliac joint.
5. Repeat the test on the other side.

If the patient experiences a reduction in pain or discomfort in the sacroiliac joint during the test, this may indicate sacroiliac joint dysfunction. However, it is important to note that the Sacroiliac Distraction Test should be used in conjunction with other examination techniques and diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose joint injuries.

References:

1. Laslett M, Williams M. The reliability of selected pain provocation tests for sacroiliac joint pathology. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1994;19(11):1243-1249.
2. Sembrano JN, Polly DW Jr. How often is low back pain not coming from the back? Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009;34(1):E27-E32.
3. Laslett M, et al. Systematic review of sacroiliac joint tests: a poor state of affairs. Man Ther. 2009;14(5):E28-E35.
4. Laslett M, et al. Diagnosing painful sacroiliac joints: a validity study of a McKenzie evaluation and sacroiliac provocation tests. Aust J Physiother. 2003;49(2):89-97.
5. Laslett M, et al. Evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of the painful sacroiliac joint. J Man Manip Ther. 2008;16(3):142-152.
6. Laslett M, et al. BMJ Open. 2016;6:e010368. Systematic review of sacroiliac joint tests for diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction.