Spine
Lumbo-Sacral Spine
Evidence: confirmed
Thigh Thrust Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Provocation test for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction.
- Also called Posterior Shear Test.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient supine, hip flexed 90° and slightly adducted.
- Action: Examiner places one hand under the sacrum and pushes the femur vertically downward with the other hand.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Deep pain in the gluteal/SI area.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 55%
- Specificity: 70%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Thigh Thrust Test 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 Thigh Thrust Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Netter’s Orthopaedic Clinical Examination An Evidence-Based Approach 3rd Edition Book.
