Stork Test (One-Leg Standing Extension) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Spondylolysis (Pars Interarticularis stress fracture) or Spondylolisthesis.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient stands on one leg.
- Action: Patient extends their spine (leans back).
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Sharp, localized pain in the low back on the standing side.
- Why: This position maximally loads the facet joints and pars interarticularis.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Stork Test (One-Leg Standing Extension) 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 Stork Test (One-Leg Standing Extension) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
