What is the indication for the Straight Leg Raise (Lasègue's) test?

• A. Checking for knee stability
• B. Sciatic neuropathy or nerve root traction/irritation
• C. Assessing hip joint flexibility
• D. Determining range of motion in the ankle

Answer: (B)

The Straight Leg Raise (Lasègue's) test is specifically designed to assess for issues related to sciatic neuropathy or nerve root traction and irritation. When the leg is raised, it puts tension on the lumbar spine and the sciatic nerve, allowing the clinician to evaluate whether there is radicular pain originating from the lower back. This action can provoke symptoms that indicate irritation of the nerve roots, particularly those associated with conditions like herniated discs or lumbar spine pathology. A positive result, where the patient experiences pain along the distribution of the sciatic nerve during the test, suggests that the nerve roots are compromised.

In contrast, checking for knee stability involves assessing the ligaments and soft tissues around the knee joint itself, while hip joint flexibility would focus on the range of motion of the hip. Similarly, assessing the range of motion in the ankle is unrelated to the purpose of the Straight Leg Raise test. Each of these other assessments serves different clinical purposes and would not provide the same information about nerve involvement that the Lasègue's test is intended to evaluate.