What is a positive finding for Bonnet's Test?

• A. Pain with SLR that does not change with hip movement
• B. Pain with SLR that diminishes with external rotation and returns with internal rotation
• C. Pain during hip flexion only
• D. No pain during the test

Answer: (B)

A positive finding for Bonnet's Test is indicated by pain with straight leg raising (SLR) that diminishes with external rotation and returns with internal rotation of the hip. This response suggests that there is likely a compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve or its branches, particularly as the position of the hip changes.

In Bonnet's Test, the mechanism involves testing for nerve involvement where the position of the hip can influence the symptomatic response. When external rotation alleviates the pain, it indicates a potential for alleviating pressure on the nerve, suggesting that the source of pain may be related to tightness or impingement affecting the sciatic nerve pathway.

Other choices do not reflect the classic presentation of Bonnet's Test. For instance, pain with SLR that does not change with hip movement suggests a more generalized issue rather than a specific mechanical interaction, while pain during hip flexion only points to an issue confined to that movement, which is not characteristic of this test. Furthermore, having no pain during the test indicates a negative result, suggesting no significant underlying pathology in relation to the nerve being tested.