Hip Sacroiliac Joint Evidence: suggestive

Pelvic Ligament Stress Tests Special Test

Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide

Pelvic Ligament Stress Tests Orthopedic Special Test

What is it used for?

  • Pain provocation for Sacroiliac (SI) and pelvic ligaments (Iliolumbar, Sacrotuberous).

How to Perform

  • Iliolumbar: Flex hip/knee + Adduction + Axial pressure.
  • Sacroiliac: Max flexion + Adduction + Axial pressure.
  • Sacrotuberous: Max flexion + Abduction.

Interpretation of Results

  • Positive Test: Pain reproduction in the specific ligament area or dermatome.

Diagnostic Accuracy

  • Low reliability in isolation; best used in a cluster.

Clinical Context & Limitations

The Pelvic Ligament Stress Tests should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.

Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Hip region, combining the Pelvic Ligament Stress Tests with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.

References

  • Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.

Further Clinical Exploration

Ober's Test
Hip Examination

Ober's Test

Noble Compression Test
Hip Examination

Noble Compression Test

Thomas Test
Hip Examination

Thomas Test

Staheli Test (Prone Hip Extension)
Hip Examination

Staheli Test (Prone Hip Extension)