Understanding the Gaenslen Test Assessment
To assess for dysfunction or pathology of the **Sacroiliac (SI) Joint** or hip pathology (less specific).
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is supine, lying close to the edge of the table. One hip/knee is maximally flexed and held to the chest.
What happens?
The hip/knee of the unaffected leg is held in full flexion. The other leg (the affected side) is allowed to **fall off the edge of the table into hip hyperextension**.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Reproduction of **sharp pain in the SI joint, buttock, or posterior hip region** during the hyperextension component.
Helpful Tip:
This test creates both compressive force on the flexed side and shearing/tensile force on the hyperextended side of the SI joint.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Hip/SI Joint Tests
Patrick's Test (FABER: Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation)
To assess for pathology in the **hip joint** (e.g., OA or labral tear) or the **Sacroiliac (SI) joint**.
Posterior Shear Test (or Posterior Thigh Thrust)
To assess for dysfunction of the **Sacroiliac (SI) Joint**, specifically a posterior shearing force.
Trendelenburg Sign
To assess the functional strength of the **Hip Abductors**, primarily the **Gluteus Medius** muscle.