What is the first part of the Cluster of Laslett?

• A. Compression
• B. Distraction
• C. Thigh Thrust
• D. Sacral Thrust

Answer: (B)

The first part of the Cluster of Laslett is distraction. This technique is designed to assess for the presence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, which often presents as localized pain in the pelvic region. During the distraction maneuver, the clinician applies lateral force to the pelvis while the patient is lying supine. This action aims to separate the sacroiliac joint, providing insight into the integrity of the joint and eliciting pain responses that may indicate dysfunction.

Understanding this assessment is crucial, as it serves as the first step in the sequence for evaluating sacroiliac joint-related pain. If pain is reproduced during this maneuver, it may guide further assessment either validating or ruling out potential conditions associated with SI joint involvement. Other methods, such as compression, thigh thrust, and sacral thrust, are subsequently used to further assess the joint's condition and gauge the patient's overall functional status, but distraction is specifically the initial assessment technique in the cluster.