During the straight leg raise test, a positive result is best indicated by pain occurring at what range of hip flexion?

During the straight leg raise test, a positive result is best indicated by pain occurring at what range of hip flexion?

• A. Pain with flexion less than 20 degrees.
• B. Pain with flexion between 40 and 70 degrees.
• C. Pain with flexion greater than 90 degrees.
• D. Pain with flexion between 15 and 25 degrees.

Answer: (B)

The test measures how much the lumbosacral nerve roots are being stretched when you raise a straight leg. A positive result is most likely when the radicular (nerve) pain starts in the midrange of hip flexion, typically between 40 and 70 degrees. At lower angles, pain is more often due to hamstring tightness; at higher angles, the pain is less specific for nerve root irritation. When the pain radiates down the leg in the nerve distribution within that midrange, it strongly suggests nerve root irritation from a lumbar disc herniation.

The test measures how much the lumbosacral nerve roots are being stretched when you raise a straight leg. A positive result is most likely when the radicular (nerve) pain starts in the midrange of hip flexion, typically between 40 and 70 degrees. At lower angles, pain is more often due to hamstring tightness; at higher angles, the pain is less specific for nerve root irritation. When the pain radiates down the leg in the nerve distribution within that midrange, it strongly suggests nerve root irritation from a lumbar disc herniation.