What is the slight difference in the Lewin-Gaenslen Test?

• A. The patient is upright
• B. The patient performs the test actively
• C. The patient is side lying
• D. The patient holds both knees to chest

Answer: (C)

The Lewin-Gaenslen Test is designed to assess the hip and sacroiliac joints for pathology, particularly in cases of suspected sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In this test, the patient is positioned side-lying, which allows for a specific mechanical assessment of the hip and pelvis. The side-lying position enables the clinician to evaluate the range of motion and any associated pain that may indicate issues within the sacroiliac joint or the surrounding structures.

Positioning the patient in this manner is crucial because it helps isolate the movements of the hip and provides a controlled environment to evaluate the response to stress applied to the joint. This contrasts with other positions mentioned, such as standing or holding the knees to the chest, which would not facilitate the same assessment of joint mechanics and potential pain response in a targeted manner. By having the patient in a side-lying position, the test effectively highlights any dysfunction present in the sacroiliac region.