Hip Intra-Articular Evidence: suggestive

Stinchfield Test Special Test

Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide

Stinchfield Test Orthopedic Special Test

What is it used for?

  • Differentiating between Hip Joint pathology and Lumbar/SI issues.

How to Perform

  • Action: Patient performs an active Straight Leg Raise (SLR) to 30° against resistance.

Interpretation of Results

  • Groin/Anterior Thigh Pain: Hip pathology.
  • Buttock/Lumbar Pain: SI joint or Lumbar pathology.

Clinical Context & Limitations

The Stinchfield 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 Hip region, combining the Stinchfield Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.

References

  • Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.

Further Clinical Exploration

Ober's Test
Hip Examination

Ober's Test

Noble Compression Test
Hip Examination

Noble Compression Test

Thomas Test
Hip Examination

Thomas Test

Staheli Test (Prone Hip Extension)
Hip Examination

Staheli Test (Prone Hip Extension)