Spine
Lumbo-Sacral Spine
Evidence: confirmed
Derbolowsky Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Functional Leg Length Discrepancy caused by pelvic rotation.
How to Perform
- Step 1: Patient lies supine. Check ankle levels.
- Step 2: Patient sits up (Long Sitting). Check ankle levels again.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: One leg appears to change length (e.g., goes from Short to Long).
- Meaning: Indicates the pelvis is rotated (Anterior or Posterior Innominate rotation) rather than a true short bone.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Derbolowsky Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Spine region, combining the Derbolowsky Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal 3rd Ed. Book
