Positive sacroiliac screening tests in asymptomatic adults

In a prospective, single-blinded study, the incidence of false-positive screening tests for sacroiliac joint dysfunction was investigated using the standing flexion, seated flexion, and Gillet tests in 101 asymptomatic subjects.

This study determined if these commonly used sacroiliac screening tests can be abnormal in an asymptomatic population.

The sacroiliac joint is a potential source of back and leg pain. One condition affecting this joint is termed sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Diagnosis of this is made primarily by physical examination using screening tests as preliminary diagnostic tools. These screening tests evaluate for asymmetry in sacroiliac motion due to a relative, unilateral hypomobility in one the sacroiliac joints. The specificity of these tests, however, has not been thoroughly evaluated in a well-selected asymptomatic population.

A single-blinded examiner performed the standing flexion, seated flexion, and Gillet tests on all subjects. An asymptomatic and a symptomatic group were studied.

Overall, 20% of asymptomatic individuals had positive findings in one or more of these tests. The specific percentage of false positives are reported by test, age, sex, and side.

This study suggests that asymmetry in sacroiliac motion due to relative hypomobility as determined by these tests can occur in asymptomatic joints. Obviously, one should not rely solely on these tests to diagnose symptomatic sacroiliac dysfunction.