Approximation Test (Sacroiliac Compression Test)

• This test is used to check the Sacroiliac Compression Test/transverse posterior stress test.
• This test is described by Laslett and Williams in 1994.
• This test is a provocation test for the SI joint.
• This test is given to stress on the SIJ structures & the posterior SIJ ligament.
• It is an attempt to replicate the patient’s symptoms.
• This test is applied to the clinic to check the SI joint compression by the doctor or therapist.
• This test is applied when the patient is complain about SI joint pain.

What is the purpose of the Approximation Test?

• This test is used to check the sprain of the sacroiliac joints.

How do you perform the Approximation Test?

• The patient is in the side-lying position for the starting position of the test.
• Then the examiner [ therapist ] is placed over the upper part of the iliac crest, after that pressing toward the floor.
• The movement causes forward pressure on the sacrum.

What is an interpretation of the Approximation Test?

• The positive result of this test = An increased feeling of pressure in the sacroiliac joints means SI joint indicates a possible sacroiliac lesion & a sprain of the posterior sacroiliac ligaments.

• The negative result of this test: If the patient does not feel the pain & pain other than the reproduction of the patient’s pain.

Evidence of the Approximation Test:

Results of the Literature Search:

• A comprehensive literature search is conducted by using the keywords of the searches to compile the content of this test review.
• Articles & papers were written in the language in English only were included in this test.
• The Cochrane Library, PUBMED databases, OVID MEDLINE & Web of Science were used for the search of the material. Keywords of this test like SIJ Compression Test, Reliability & Specificity of SIJ Testing, SIJ Testing which is used & combined with the refining of the search.