Which test is primarily used to assess sacroiliac joint pain?

• A. McMurray's Test
• B. Gaenslen's Test
• C. Bowman's Test
• D. Talus Test

Answer: (B)

Gaenslen's Test is specifically designed to evaluate sacroiliac joint pain. This test involves the patient lying supine while one leg is held in hyperextension off the edge of the examination table, and the other leg remains flexed. Engaging the hip into extension on one side can create tension across the sacroiliac joint, potentially provoking pain if there is an underlying issue such as inflammation or dysfunction in that joint.

In contrast, McMurray's Test is primarily used for assessing meniscal tears in the knee, which makes it irrelevant for sacroiliac joint evaluation. Bowman's Test is not a standard assessment for sacroiliac pain and is less recognized or utilized in clinical practice compared to Gaenslen's Test. Talus Test focuses on ankle conditions, which also does not pertain to sacroiliac evaluation. Hence, the specificity of Gaenslen's Test in targeting the sacroiliac joint makes it the appropriate choice for assessing related pain.