What condition does pain during Gaenslen's Test suggest?

• A. Patellar tendonitis
• B. SI joint dysfunction
• C. Ankle sprain
• D. Muscle strain

Answer: (B)

Gaenslen's Test is a clinical maneuver used to assess for sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. During this test, the patient's hip is flexed on one side while the opposite leg is extended off the examination table. This position places stress on the SI joint, and if pain is elicited, it suggests an underlying dysfunction of the joint. The test is specifically designed to reproduce pain in the area of the SI joint, which is indicative of sacroiliac joint pathology.

In contrast, the other conditions listed are not specifically associated with this test. For instance, patellar tendonitis is characterized by pain around the knee, primarily affecting the patellar tendon, and would not typically produce symptoms during Gaenslen's Test. Ankle sprains involve lateral ligamentous structures around the ankle and would not be evaluated with this maneuver. Muscle strains affect the musculature around the lower extremities and wouldn’t localize pain specifically to the SI joint area during this test. Therefore, pain during Gaenslen's Test is a clear indicator of potential SI joint dysfunction, making it the correct response.