What test helps distinguish radiculopathy from hip/SI joint pain?

• A. Straight leg raise (SLR) test
• B. Homan sign
• C. Ober test
• D. Phalen test

Answer: (A)

The test relies on stretching the neural elements in the lumbar spine to see if leg pain is nerve-related. Lifting the leg with the knee straight (the straight leg raise) tensions the lumbosacral nerve roots and sciatic nerve. If this maneuver reproduces sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the leg below the knee, it points to radiculopathy from nerve root irritation or compression (such as a herniated disc). If the pain stays localized to the hip or pelvis and doesn’t radiate down the leg, a hip or sacroiliac joint source is more likely. The other options aren’t useful for this distinction: Homan sign relates to DVT, the Ober test assesses IT band tightness at the hip, and Phalen test screens for carpal tunnel in the wrist.