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Patrick's test

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Overview

Patrick’s test is performed by a health care provider to evaluate people who have low back pain for sacroiliitis.

Physical Examination Technique

Physical Examination Technique

The knee is flexed to ninety degrees on the affected side and the foot is rested on the unaffected knee. Holding the pelvis firm against the examination table, the affected knee is pushed towards the examination table, a maneuver which provides external rotation of the leg at the hip joint. If pain results, this is considered a positive Patrick’s test and sacroiliitis is more likely. However, Patrick’s test does not prove that sacroiliitis is causing the back pain, just increases the likelihood.

This test is often performed alongside Gaenslen’s test.

References

References

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