Spine
Lumbo-Sacral Spine
Evidence: confirmed
Yeoman Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Stressing the Anterior Sacroiliac Ligaments.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient prone with knee flexed 90°.
- Action: Examiner lifts the patient's extended leg (hyperextension) while stabilizing the pelvis.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain felt deep in the SI Joint.
- Note: Pain in the front of the thigh suggests Femoral Nerve tension instead.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 93%
- Specificity: 89%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Yeoman 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 Yeoman Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal 3rd Ed. Book
