Understanding the Lasegue's Sign (Straight Leg Raise - SLR) Assessment
To assess for tension or irritation of the **Sciatic Nerve** (L4-S3 nerve roots), typically due to a **Lumbar Disc Herniation**.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is supine with the head in neutral.
What happens?
The examiner slowly and passively **flexes the patient's hip** (lifts the leg straight up) while maintaining the knee in full extension.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The reproduction of the patient's characteristic **radicular pain** (shooting into the leg/foot) below the knee, usually occurring between **30° and 70° of hip flexion**.
Helpful Tip:
This test stretches the sciatic nerve. Pain at a low angle (<30°) may indicate acute inflammation or hamstring tightness.
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 Lumbar Spine Tests
Slump Test
A highly sensitive test to assess for **neural tension** or irritation of the spinal cord and nerve roots, often due to disc pathology or stenosis.
Valsalva Maneuver
To increase **intra-abdominal and intrathecal pressure** to provoke symptoms related to a space-occupying lesion in the spinal canal (e.g., disc herniation, tumor).