Which statement best describes the straight leg raise test in the context of disc herniation?

Which statement best describes the straight leg raise test in the context of disc herniation?

• A. It has high sensitivity for detecting disc herniation.
• B. It has high specificity for detecting disc herniation.
• C. It is performed with the patient standing.
• D. A positive test occurs when pain is felt only in the hip joint.

Answer: (A)

The straight leg raise is a nerve root tension test used to screen for lumbar disc herniation. By raising the leg with the knee extended while the patient lies on their back, you provoke tension along the S1/L5 nerve roots; radicular pain that travels down the leg supports nerve irritation from a possible herniation. This test is known for high sensitivity, meaning a negative result makes significant disc herniation unlikely. However, it lacks specificity—many other conditions (hamstring tightness, lumbar degenerative changes, or other causes of radicular-like pain) can produce a positive result, so it doesn’t confirm disc herniation. The test is performed supine, not standing, and a positive result is pain radiating down the leg rather than pain confined to the hip joint.

The straight leg raise is a nerve root tension test used to screen for lumbar disc herniation. By raising the leg with the knee extended while the patient lies on their back, you provoke tension along the S1/L5 nerve roots; radicular pain that travels down the leg supports nerve irritation from a possible herniation. This test is known for high sensitivity, meaning a negative result makes significant disc herniation unlikely. However, it lacks specificity—many other conditions (hamstring tightness, lumbar degenerative changes, or other causes of radicular-like pain) can produce a positive result, so it doesn’t confirm disc herniation. The test is performed supine, not standing, and a positive result is pain radiating down the leg rather than pain confined to the hip joint.