29/05/2025
ππ©π§πππππ© πππ ππππ¨π (SLR)
β’β’Overviewβ’β’
The Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test, also called Lasegueβs test, is a neurodynamic test used primarily to assess the irritation of the lumbosacral nerve roots, particularly L4, L5, and S1. Itβs commonly performed on patients presenting with low back pain radiating down the leg, especially in suspected lumbar disc herniation or sciatica.
β’β’Purposeβ’β’
-Detect lumbar nerve root compression (especially L5/S1).
-Differentiate neurological pain from musculoskeletal or hamstring tightness.
-Evaluate sciatic nerve irritability.
π)How to Perform the SLR Test?
β’Patient Position: Supine (lying flat on the back), legs extended.
β’Examiner Action:
1. Passively lift the patient's leg by the heel, keeping the knee fully extended.
2. Slowly raise the leg in hip flexion until the patient experiences pain or discomfort (usually between 30Β° to 70Β°).
3. If pain is present, lower the leg slightly and then dorsiflex the foot or flex the neck to further stretch the nerve root (this increases the stretch on the sciatic nerve).
Variations:
Bragardβs test: After SLR elicits symptoms, lower the leg slightly and dorsiflex the ankle to confirm neural tension.
Crossed SLR test (Well leg raise): Lifting the unaffected leg causes pain in the affected leg β this strongly suggests a herniated disc.
Normal vs. Abnormal Response
[Positive SLR Test Criteria]
1) Reproduction of the patientβs sciatic-type pain (radiating below the knee).
2)Pain intensifies with ankle dorsiflexion or neck flexion (suggests neural tension).
3)Pain reduces with hip lowering, indicating a neural structure is the pain source.
β’β’Differential Diagnosis Based on SLRβ’β’
-Lumbar disc herniation: Pain between 30β70Β° with neural symptoms.
-Hamstring tightness: Pain >70Β°, localized to the posterior thigh.
-SI joint pathology: Pain not radiating below the knee and usually localized to the buttock area.
-Hip pathology: Pain felt in groin or anterior thigh, not typically below the knee.
β’β’Clinical Significanceβ’β’
Sensitivity: High (around 91% for disc herniation).
Specificity: Moderate to low (around 26β40%).
Crossed SLR Test: Lower sensitivity but very high specificity, often confirms large or medial disc herniation.
β’β’Limitationsβ’β’
Cannot always distinguish between muscular and neurological causes without adjunct testing.
False positives: Tight hamstrings, hip joint stiffness.
False negatives: Mild disc herniations or patients with high pain tolerance.
β’β’Tips for Better Accuracy
-Always compare both sides.
-Note the quality and distribution of pain.
-Combine with neurological examination: reflexes, strength, and sensation tests.