Lesegue sign a.k.a. straight leg raise
Wikipedia is always an interesting place to learn pointless facts: e.g. Dr. Leseque actually suggested extending the lower leg after the thigh was flexed…NOT the traditional SLR ….Dr. Laza Lazarevic actually described the traditional SLR we typically use today. Both are assumed relevant to determining an L5 (but less L4) disc herniation and/or nerve root irritation. Tests on sensitivity mark it at ~60% and specificity at ~25%.
However several researchers have cross-compared the Slump test with the SLR, and (as discussed in a previous blog as well) the Slump edges out the SLR in terms of eliminating false-positives & negatives, making its specificity nearly 85% and sensitivity at least 90%. Of course so-called odds ratios are compilations of several studies and don’t, in my estimation really give you a lot to actually go on. However doing both the SLR and Slump (a 2 minute time expenditure) will allow a better discussion at our ROF in regard predicting the likelihood the patient requires more extensive interventions or possibly to be put on the “watch-list” for MRI (or surgical consult) if treatment fails to resolve the problem.
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