Straight Leg Raise Test | Rationale & Interpretation

The video tutorial covers the assessment of lumbar radiculopathies using special tests, focusing on the straight leg raise test. It explains the test's high sensitivity and low specificity, making it suitable for ruling out lumbar radiculopathy. The procedure for performing the test is detailed, including patient positioning and symptom interpretation. The video also discusses the psychometrics of the test and suggests follow-up tests like the crossed straight leg raise test. Additionally, it analyzes hip flexion angles to identify potential pathologies.

What is the primary use of the straight leg raise test in diagnosing lumbar radiculopathy?

• To rule out lumbar radiculopathy if negative

• To measure the range of motion in the lumbar spine

• To assess the severity of lumbar radiculopathy

• To confirm the presence of lumbar radiculopathy

During the straight leg raise test, how should the patient be positioned?

• Standing with knees bent

• Supine with the test side knee fully extended

• Sitting with legs extended

• Prone with the test side knee flexed

What type of pain suggests a local problem to the lumbar spine during the straight leg raise test?

• Radicular pain in the test side lower extremity

• Pain in the opposite leg

• Posterior thigh pain due to hamstring tightness

• Localized low back pain without radicular symptoms

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with radicular symptoms during the straight leg raise test?

• Localized low back pain

• Tingling

• Numbness

• Burning, shooting pain

What does pain experienced at an angle less than 30 degrees during the straight leg raise test potentially indicate?

• Acute spondylolisthesis or gluteal abscess

• Lumbar radiculopathy affecting L4-S1

• SI joint pain

• Hamstring tightness

At what angle range is pain most consistent with lumbar radiculopathy during the straight leg raise test?

• Less than 30 degrees

• 30 to 70 degrees

• 70 degrees and above

• Any angle

What condition might be indicated by pain experienced at angles greater than 70 degrees during the straight leg raise test?

• Lumbar radiculopathy

• SI joint pain or hamstring tightness

• Acute spondylolisthesis

• Central disc protrusion