straight leg raising (SLR)

Indications

• evaluation of sciatica

Procedure

• stretching the sciatic nerve to see if radicular symptomatology is reproduced
• each hip is alternately flexed with the knee extended; the extent to which each leg can be lifted is noted
• raising the leg with the knee extended stretches the nerve root over the protruded disk & results in a nocifensive response of muscle contraction

Interpretation

Evidence of sciatica suggested by

• pain below the knee at < 70 degrees
• indicates nerve root compression at L5-S1
• crossed straight leg raising
  • pain elicited on affected side with contralateral straight leg raising

More general terms

• physical examination technique

Additional terms

• passive leg raising
• sciatica; lumbosacral radiculopathy; sciatic neuropathy