If pain is reported as the LS junction begins to move during the Goldthwait Test, what condition does this indicate?

• A. Hip joint injury
• B. LS junction problem
• C. Contralateral SI sprain
• D. Pubic symphysis dysfunction

Answer: (B)

The Goldthwait Test is a clinical assessment used to differentiate between lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint (SI joint) issues. During the test, the patient lies supine while the examiner raises the leg. If pain is reported specifically at the lumbar-sacral (LS) junction when movement begins, it suggests a problem localized to that region.

In this case, the onset of pain at the LS junction indicates that there may be dysfunction, irritation, or pathology present at the lumbar spine that is related to the mechanics of movement at that junction. This response typically points toward a structural or functional issue within the LS junction itself, confirming it as the source of the pain during the test. Other choices could imply different issues, but the pain's specific association with movement at the LS junction distinctly signals a problem in that area, making it the appropriate condition to identify.