Seated Piriformis Stretch Test

Other Names

• Seated Piriformis Stretch Test

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Purpose

• Evaluate the Piriformis muscle as a cause of gluteal or hip pain
• Note: The (passive) Piriformis Stretch Test is a seperate exam technique

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Description

• The patient is seated on the edge of the exam table
• The hip is flexed to 90° the knee extended
• The examiner palpates the sciatic notch and provides hip adduction and internal rotation
• Positive Test
  • Posterior pain at the level of the piriformis or external rotators

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Pathology

• Piriformis Syndrome
• Sciatica

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Evidence

• Piriformis Syndrome with Sciatica
  • Sensitivity: 0.52
  • Specificity: 0.90
  • LR+: 5.22
  • LR-: 0.53
  • Diagnostic OR: 9.82

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See Also

• Hip Pain (Main)
• Physical Exam Hip

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