The Stork Test, also known as the Gillet Test, Step Test, or One-Legged Stance Test, is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the movement of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) by feeling (palpating) the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) as the patient moves.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Purpose: The primary goal is to assess the functionality and mobility of the SIJ, which connects the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the largest bone in the pelvis).
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Procedure:
- The patient stands and the clinician palpates the PSIS on one side.
- The patient then flexes their hip and knee on the same side, bringing their knee upward (simulating a "stork-like" stance).
- The clinician observes and feels for movement of the PSIS. Ideally, the PSIS should move inferiorly (downward).
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Interpretation:
- Normal Result: The PSIS on the side of the raised leg should move downward (inferiorly).
- Abnormal Result: If the PSIS does not move, moves upward, or if there is pain, it may indicate SIJ dysfunction or hypomobility (restricted movement) on that side.
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Significance: The Stork Test helps clinicians identify potential problems in the SIJ, which can contribute to lower back pain, hip pain, and other related issues. It is often used in conjunction with other orthopedic tests to provide a more comprehensive diagnosis. It's important to note that the Stork Test, like many orthopedic tests, is not perfectly accurate, and results should be interpreted alongside other clinical findings.
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Alternative Names: As mentioned, this test may be referred to as the Gillet Test, Step Test, or One-Legged Stance Test, but all these terms describe the same assessment.
In summary, the Stork Test is a manual assessment used to evaluate SIJ movement by observing PSIS movement during hip flexion. A lack of downward PSIS movement can indicate SIJ dysfunction.
