The Gaenslen test is performed to assess for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction, and involves applying rotational stress to the SIJ.
Understanding the Gaenslen Test
The Gaenslen test is a provocative orthopedic test used to identify potential pain arising from the sacroiliac joint. The goal is to see if certain movements reproduce a patient's familiar symptoms, indicating a possible issue with the SIJ.
Performing the Gaenslen Test: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a detailed breakdown of how to perform the Gaenslen test, based on the YouTube video reference:
- Patient Positioning: The patient lies supine (on their back) on the examination table.
- Positioning the Leg:
- The patient brings one knee to their chest (flexing the hip).
- The other leg hangs off the side of the table.
- Applying the Stress:
- The examiner applies gentle overpressure to the patient's flexed knee, pushing it further towards the chest.
- Simultaneously, the examiner allows the leg hanging off the table to extend further into hyperextension.
- Observe for Symptoms: During this movement, the examiner looks for a provocation of the patient's familiar symptoms, such as pain.
- Testing the other side: Repeat the procedure on the opposite side.
Key Considerations
- Bilateral Testing: It's crucial to perform the test on both sides to compare the results and identify potential unilateral issues.
- Patient Feedback: Always ask the patient about their pain response. A positive test occurs if the patient reports a reproduction of their familiar pain.
- Specificity: While useful, the Gaenslen's test is not definitively diagnostic on its own, and should be used in conjunction with other orthopedic tests and clinical findings.
- Video Source The YouTube video "Gaenslen's Test | Sacroiliac Joint Provocation" demonstrates the technique and emphasizes the importance of observing for a provocation of familiar symptoms.
Interpreting the Results
- Positive Test: If the test reproduces or increases the patient’s familiar SIJ pain, it is considered a positive finding. This suggests that the SIJ may be a source of the patient's symptoms.
- Negative Test: A negative test does not completely rule out SIJ dysfunction, but makes it less likely that the joint is responsible for the patient's pain.
Summary Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Patient lies supine |
| 2 | One knee brought to chest, other leg hangs off the side of the table |
| 3 | Overpressure to flexed hip, leg on the table allowed to extend into hyperextension |
| 4 | Assess for provocation of pain on each side |
| 5 | Repeat procedure on the other side |
