Straight Leg Raise Test – Lasegue Test

What is the “Lasegue Test” used for?

• Also called Straight Leg Raise Test
• Aimed to assess the sciatic compromise due to lumbosacral nerve root irritation.

How to perform the “Lasegue Test”?

• The straight leg raise test is performed with the patient in a supine position.
• The examiner gently raises the patient’s leg by flexing the hip with the knee in extension

What is the positive result?

• Considered positive when the patient experiences pain along the lower limb in the same distribution of the lower radicular nerve roots (usually L5 or S1)

Test Accuracy

• Sensitivity: 91 %
• Specificity: 29 %

References

• Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System 3rd Edition.
• Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention 3rd Edition.