Piriformis Test

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Original Editor - Anquain Sullivan, Frederik Topke

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Search Strategy

Database: Pubmed
Keywords: Piriformis test, FAIR test, piriformis syndrome

Database: Web of Knowledge
Keywords: Piriformis test, FAIR test

Definition/Description

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Clinically Relevant Anatomy

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Purpose

To detect the compression and/or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.

Technique

 

With the patient in side-lying with the involved side up the patient's involved leg is passively flexed, adducted, and internally rotated.

Positive test is when the patient reports pain reproduced at the region of the piriformis.

Key Research

add links and reviews of high quality evidence here (case studies should be added on new pages using the case study template)

A study was performed by Fishman et al. that determine the sensitivity and specificity of the piriformis test.

Sensitivity = .88²     -LR = .14

Specificity = .83²    +LR = 5.2

Resources

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Clinical Bottom Line

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

1. Flynn, T, Cleland, J, Whitman, J. Users' Guide to the Musculoskeletal Examination. (2008) pg 238
2. Fishman, L, Dombi, G, Michaelson, C, Ringel, S. Piriformis syndrome: Diagnosis, treatment and outcome- a 10 year study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002; 83:295-301.
3. Fishman, L, Zybert, P. Electrophysiologic evidence of piriformis syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1992; 73:359-364.