Intertester reliability for selected clinical tests of the sacroiliac joint

The purpose of this study was to examine the intertester reliability of 13 tests for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction. Eight therapists examined 17 patients in two clinical settings. In each case, two therapists independently examined the patients and obtained results on all 13 of the SIJ tests. Patients with lumbosacral pain and unilateral lower extremity symptoms of a duration less than one year were examined. All the therapists had specialized in orthopedic physical therapy and had been trained in SIJ examination. Reliability was poor; 11 of the 13 tests resulted in less than 70% agreement. The two tests that relied solely on subjective patient response and imparted no information on SIJ position or mobility were within a range of 70% to 90% agreement. Our findings suggest the necessity of reviewing examination methods for the SIJ and improving reliability of clinical testing of this joint.