Spine
Sacroiliac Joint
Evidence: confirmed
SI Joint Distraction Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Provocation test for SI Joint Pain.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient supine.
- Action: Examiner crosses arms and applies an outward/downward force on both ASIS (spreading the anterior pelvis).
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain in the gluteal area/SI joint.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Part of Laslett Cluster (Sensitivity: 60%).
Clinical Context & Limitations
The SI Joint Distraction 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 SI Joint Distraction Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Laslett, M. (2008). Evidence-Based Diagnosis of SIJ Pain.
