Standing Flexion Test: A Manual Diagnostic Test as First Indication of Sacroiliac Dysfunction – Study from Practice

Abstract

Background The standing flexion test (SFT) is an orienting test, supporting to diagnose a sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJ-D) in manual medicine. However, the literature research for this term shows the paucity of according investigations. The aim is to investigate the importance of the SFT with regard to possible functional disorder of the SIJ. Method Teachers of the Medical Association for Manual Medicine (physiotherapists and physicians) were asked to fill in a documentation sheet considering different exsmination procedures belonging to routine manual medicine anamnestic findings. The only inclusion criterion was the positive SFT. The results are presented descriptive with according percentages. Results From January to August 2019, a total of 366 SIJ data sheets with positive SFTs were completed by 20 ÄMM-teachers, involving six imcomplete ones. 263 of the 360 patients enrolled actually had a SIJ-D (73.06%).Further relevant results refer to pain oft he SIJ region (205 of 360; 173 with SIJ-D), the Patrick-Kubis-Test (246 of 360; 201 with SIJ-D), the pelvic tilt (134 of 360; 134 with SIJ-D), the pelvic torsion (209 of 360; 164 with SIJ-D) and the increased iliac muscle tone (282 of 360; 216 with SIJ-D). Discussion After a positive SFT, the Patrick-Kubis-test, the tonus check of the iliac muscle and the indication of pain in the SIJ-region can be used for the diagnosis of a SIJ-D. If at least two of the three aspects are conspicuous, SIJ-D is very likely to be present.