How is the Smith-Peterson Test performed?

• A. Lift the symptomatic leg and note the angle of pain
• B. Lift the contralateral leg and note where pain is reported
• C. Lift both legs at the same time and measure pain angle
• D. Perform hip abduction while assessing for pain

Answer: (B)

The Smith-Peterson Test is designed to assess for hip and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, particularly looking for referred pain into the lower extremities. During the test, lifting the contralateral leg (the leg opposite the side of reported symptoms) is particularly relevant because it helps to create a tension in the structures of the hip and pelvis. When the contralateral leg is lifted, it can exacerbates any underlying conditions in the symptomatic area due to the mechanics involved, allowing the clinician to identify any pain that might radiate to the affected leg or region. This response is crucial for differentiating the source of pain—whether it originates from the hip itself, the lower back, or another location.

The other options do not align with the established protocol for this specific test. Lifting the symptomatic leg would not clarify whether the pain is due to its own pathology or related to the contralateral side. Lifting both legs simultaneously or performing hip abduction is not specific enough to isolate the issue, and it could introduce confounding factors that may not provide clear information about the dysfunctions being evaluated. Therefore, option B is the correct choice as it accurately reflects the procedure and intent of the Smith-Peterson Test.