Patricks Test: Evaluation of Sacroillac Joint Dysfunction

The Patricks Test is a physcial examination test to determine the presence of sacroiliac joint
dysfunction in patients with lower back pain. It is important to evaluate all sources of lower
back pain. Common sources of lower back pain include lumbar facet dysfunction, lumbar
ligamental instability, lumbar degenerative disc disease and sacroillac joint dyfunction.
The sacroillac joint is a synovial joint formed by the articular surfaces of the sacrum and

ilium.
The stability of the joint is maintained by a series of ligaments which
include the anterior and posterior sacroillac ligament. The joint functions as a shock absober
for the pelvis and lumbar spine.
Trauma is the most common cause of SI dyfunction. Patient often times report falling
directly onto their buttucks or being involved in a rear end motor vehicle injury.
Symptoms of SI joint dsyfunction include mild to moderate pain, unilateral in nature,
aggrevated by prolonged sitting often times referred into the buttuck and posterior thigh.
The patricks TTest is performed by flexing the patients leg and putting the foot of the tested
leg on the opposite knee. Pressue is applied on the superior aspcect of the tested knee joint
lowering the leg into further abduction.

Patrick's Test
The test is positive if there is pain at the hip or sacral joint, or if the leg can not lower to the
point of being parallel to the opposite leg.

At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, sacroillac joint dyfunction is treated with core stabilization,
restoration of muscle imbalances and prolotherapy.
By John R. Schultz