Spine Orthopaedic Test: Stork Test

The Stork Test is a physical exam test that is commonly used to assess the movement and symmetry of the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint is located at the junction of the sacrum and the ilium, which are bones that make up the pelvis. This joint plays an important role in transferring the weight of the upper body to the lower body during activities like walking, running, and jumping.

Procedure:

1. Instruct the patient to stand with their feet together and arms at their sides.
2. Ask the patient to lift one foot off the ground, bending the knee to a 90-degree angle.
3. Instruct the patient to balance on the opposite leg.
4. Observe the patient's pelvis and note any asymmetry or dropping of the unsupported side.
5. Apply gentle pressure to the unsupported side to assess for pain or discomfort.
6. Repeat the test on the opposite side.

The Stork Test is just one of many clinical tests that may be used to assess the sacroiliac joint, and there is no specific cutoff for a "normal" result. However, in general, a normal result would involve the patient being able to maintain their balance on the unsupported leg without dropping or shifting of the pelvis, and without experiencing pain or discomfort.

References:

1. Laslett M, Williams M. The reliability of selected pain provocation tests for sacroiliac joint pathology. Spine. 1994;19(11):1243-1249. doi:10.1097/00007632-199406000-00011
2. Kokmeyer DJ, van der Wurff P, Aufdemkampe G, Fickenscher TC. The reliability of multitest regimens with sacroiliac pain provocation tests. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002;25(1):42-48. doi:10.1067/mmt.2002.120870
3. Jeong HS, Lee GY, Lee CY. Comparison of the pelvic tilt and sacroiliac joint tests according to the sacroiliac joint disorders in patients with lumbosacral pain. J Phys Ther Sci. 2013;25(11):1387-1389. doi:10.1589/jpts.25.1387
4. Robinson HS, Brox JI, Robinson R, Bjelland E, Solem S, Telje T. The reliability of selected motion and pain provocation tests for the sacroiliac joint. Man Ther. 2007;12(1):72-79. doi:10.1016/j.math.2006.02.005