backward bending, counternutation, extension, flexion, forward bending, mobility testing, nutation, ortho, pelvis, PSIS, sacral suclus, SI Joint, special test, trunk

Purpose

This is a functional SI joint test looking at the sacrum’s ability to nutate and counternutate during trunk flexion and extension.

Technique

Patient is positioned standing.

Clinician stands behind the patient and palpates sacral sulcus.

Clinician asks patient to flex trunk and observes movement at the sacral sulcus. Clinician expects the sacrum to nutate than counternutate.

Clinician asks patient to return to upright standing.

Clinician asks patient to cross arms across chest and extend trunk.

Clinician observes movement at sacral sulcus. Clinician expects the sacrum to nutate.

Clinician asks patient to return to upright standing.

References

1. Kaltenborn, F.M. (2009). Manual mobilization of the joints: The spine volume I I (5th ed.). Minneapolis, MN: OPTP.

Related videos:

1. SI Joint – Active Knee Flexion Test
2. SI Joint – Active Hip Flexion Test
3. Sacroiliac Evaluation (in sitting)
4. Pelvic Inspection in Prone
5. SI Joint – Lifting Test