How is Gaenslen's Test performed?

• A. Patient seated, knee extended
• B. Patient prone, legs hanging off the table
• C. Patient supine with one leg half off the table
• D. Patient standing with feet together

Answer: (C)

Gaenslen's Test is specifically designed to evaluate the sacroiliac joint for pain or dysfunction. The correct method involves positioning the patient supine with one leg half off the table. In this position, one leg is flexed at the hip and knee while the other leg is allowed to drop off the table into extension. This positioning creates tension across the sacroiliac joint and can help elicit pain if there is a pathological condition present.

The chosen method effectively assesses the integrity of the sacroiliac joint by providing a specific mechanical stress that can indicate issues such as sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The test is particularly beneficial in discerning whether the source of the patient's pain is related to the sacroiliac joint or if it might originate elsewhere.