[Diagnostic test scale SI5: Assessment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Context:

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a frequent cause of low back pain.
• The diagnostic utility of clinical examination tests for sacroiliac joint pain remains debated.
• A reliable diagnostic tool is needed to accurately identify sacroiliac joint syndrome.

Purpose:

• To conduct a pilot study of a novel diagnostic score scale, the SI5, for sacroiliac joint syndrome.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of clinical signs associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
• To develop and propose the SI5 diagnostic scale based on literature review and clinical evaluation.

Summary:

• The SI5 diagnostic scale was developed by evaluating the utility of various clinical characteristics and diagnostic tests for sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
• The scale was applied to 22 patients with low back pain, and its performance was compared against selective blockage of the SI joint.
• The SI5 scale achieved a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 71% in this pilot study.

Impact:

• The SI5 diagnostic score scale shows potential for improving the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
• This pilot study provides preliminary evidence for the SI5's good sensitivity and specificity.
• Further statistical validation is required to confirm the SI5's clinical utility in diagnosing sacroiliac joint syndrome.