Spine: Gaenslen test: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Spine: Gaenslen test

Sample item

A patient lies supine at the edge of the couch. One hip and knee are flexed to the chest while the examiner lets the other thigh hang over the edge and presses it downwards. Pain over the sacroiliac joint is provoked. Which test is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Gaenslen test

The Gaenslen test stresses the sacroiliac joint by flexing one hip while extending the other, which levers the pelvis. It is one of a group of provocation tests, along with the FABER test and thigh thrust, and pain in several tests increases the likelihood of sacroiliac pain.

Option by option

  • A. Ober test

    The Ober test assesses tightness of the iliotibial band.

  • B. Thomas test

    The Thomas test detects a fixed flexion deformity of the hip.

  • C. Trendelenburg test

    The Trendelenburg test assesses the hip abductor mechanism during single-leg stance.

  • D. Gaenslen test (correct)

    Correct. Hip flexion on one side with the opposite thigh extended off the couch stresses the sacroiliac joint.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Gaenslen test. The Gaenslen test stresses the sacroiliac joint by flexing one hip while extending the other, which levers the pelvis.

Why is "Ober test" not the answer?

The Ober test assesses tightness of the iliotibial band.

Why is "Thomas test" not the answer?

The Thomas test detects a fixed flexion deformity of the hip.

Why is "Trendelenburg test" not the answer?

The Trendelenburg test assesses the hip abductor mechanism during single-leg stance.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spine: Gaenslen test in Orthopaedics. It is one of a group of provocation tests, along with the FABER test and thigh thrust, and pain in several tests increases the likelihood of sacroiliac pain.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Spine: Gaenslen test?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.