Gaenslen's Test: Checking for SI Joint Pain

Gaenslen's Test is a pain provocation maneuver used to identify Sacroiliac (SI) Joint dysfunction. It stresses the pelvis by placing it in torsion, with one hip flexed and the other extended.

[Image of Gaenslen's Test maneuver]

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of Gaenslen's Test is to **detect pain** arising from the Sacroiliac (SI) joint. It works by applying a torsional stress to the pelvis, forcing one innominate into flexion and the other into extension.

2. How to Perform

1. The patient is positioned in supine, lying close to the edge of the table.
2. The patient fully flexes the knee and hip of the non-test leg towards their chest and holds it firmly with both hands.
3. The test leg is allowed to hang over the edge of the table into hyperextension.
4. The examiner applies firm overpressure: pushing the flexed knee towards the patient's chest and pushing the hanging leg downwards towards the floor.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive test is the reproduction of the patient's familiar pain in the Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) area (buttock/lower back).

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is when no pain is produced in the SI joint.

Note: If pain is felt in the anterior thigh of the hanging leg, this suggests tight hip flexors (see Thomas Test), not necessarily SIJ dysfunction.