Sacral Thrust (Sacral Compression) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Provocation test for SI Joint Pain.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient prone.
- Action: Examiner applies a vertical downward force directly on the center of the sacrum.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Reproduction of pain in the SI joint.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Part of Laslett Cluster (Sensitivity: 63%).
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Sacral Thrust (Sacral Compression) 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 Spine region, combining the Sacral Thrust (Sacral Compression) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Laslett, M. (2008). Evidence-Based Diagnosis of SIJ Pain.
