Fortin's Test
Fortin's finger test is a validated test for sacroiliac generated pain. In fact it really can't be classed as a test but rather as an observation. The patient is asked to indicate the where he or she feels the pain is centered or arises from and a positive response is for the patient to indicate an area medial to the posterior inferior sacroiliac spine. It is extremely sensitive but not very specific with about 30% of patients who indicate Fortin's area as the source or center of the pain not having the sacroiliac joint as the cause. The real value of the test is to exclude the sacroiliac joint as a source of the patient's pain. Because of its high sensitivity, if the Fortin's finger test is negative (the patient indicates an area other than medial to the PSIS) then the probability is that the sacroiliac joint is not the villain. However, minor (non-inflamed) lesions of the sacroiliac may still be painful but fail Fortin's finger test but the joint still require treatment.
References:
Fortin, JD. Falco, FJ. The Fortin finger test: an indicator of sacroiliac pain. Am J Orthop 26:477 1997
Disclaimer:
The assessment and treatment techniques depicted or described in this site are not intended to replace formal instruction in orthopedic manual or any other type of physical therapy. They are intended to review, augment and facilitate the knowledge and skills previously gained on manual therapy or other course and to stimulate the untrained or trainee physical therapist to increase the bounds of his or her knowledge and skill base.
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