How do you perform a Straight Leg Raise (Lasègue's) test?

How do you perform a Straight Leg Raise (Lasègue's) test?

• A. Patient supine, flex knees and raise legs
• B. Patient supine, knees straight, raise leg to point of pain
• C. Patient prone, raise legs off the table
• D. Patient seated, extend the knees fully

Answer: (B)

The Straight Leg Raise (Lasègue's) test is specifically designed to assess for lumbar disc herniation or irritation of the sciatic nerve. To perform this test, the patient is positioned supine (lying on their back) with their legs extended straight along the examination table. The clinician then raises one leg at a time, keeping the knee straight, until the patient experiences pain in the lower back or down the leg. The point at which pain occurs is crucial, as it helps to determine the presence and location of nerve root irritation. Performing the test this way allows for the adequate elongation of the sciatic nerve and its roots, providing a clear assessment of any potential issues. The position of the patient, the straightness of the leg, and the way the leg is raised are all essential components that contribute to the validity of the test results. Raising the leg to the point of pain helps to gauge the nature of the discomfort, differentiating between issues related to the back, the nerves, or other structures. In contrast, other testing methods listed do not adhere to the standard protocol for this specific assessment, which is why they do not provide valid results for diagnosing conditions associated with the straight leg raise.

The Straight Leg Raise (Lasègue's) test is specifically designed to assess for lumbar disc herniation or irritation of the sciatic nerve. To perform this test, the patient is positioned supine (lying on their back) with their legs extended straight along the examination table. The clinician then raises one leg at a time, keeping the knee straight, until the patient experiences pain in the lower back or down the leg. The point at which pain occurs is crucial, as it helps to determine the presence and location of nerve root irritation.

Performing the test this way allows for the adequate elongation of the sciatic nerve and its roots, providing a clear assessment of any potential issues. The position of the patient, the straightness of the leg, and the way the leg is raised are all essential components that contribute to the validity of the test results. Raising the leg to the point of pain helps to gauge the nature of the discomfort, differentiating between issues related to the back, the nerves, or other structures.

In contrast, other testing methods listed do not adhere to the standard protocol for this specific assessment, which is why they do not provide valid results for diagnosing conditions associated with the straight leg raise.