Clinical Value of Straight Leg Raising Test in Patients with Lumbosacral Herniated Intervertebral Disc

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2008;10(2):118-123.
Published online December 1, 2008.

Abstract

Objectives: SLRT (Straight Leg Raising Test) is a useful test to lumbar HNP (Herniated Nucleus Pulposus).We tried to know 1) the correlation between SLRT and anatomical lesion, and 2) the correlationbetween SLRT and electrodiagnostic study.Methods: Among the patients who have lumbar pain, those who have 1) lower extremity radiating pain,2) SLRT positive sign, and 3) abnormal MRI finding were selected as the object of this study. By thedegree of HNP, it was classified as 1) bulging, protrusion, and 2) extrusion, sequestration group. By thedirection of HNP, it was classified as 1)central, lateral, and 2) laterocentral, centrolateral group. By thesite of HNP, it was classified as 1) L2-3, L3-4, and 2) L4-5, L5-S1. We checked nerve conduction studyand needle electromyography on back and lower extremity. The results of radiologic measurements andelectrodiagnostic studies were compared with SLRT.Results: The presence of 1) L4-5, L5-S1 HNP, 2) posterolateral HNP, 3) Abnormal spontaneous activitiesin needle EMG and 4) delayed latency of gastrocnemius H-Reflex were associated with decreasingSLRT (p<0.05).Conclusion: This study suggested that SLRT seems to be a useful adjunctive method to diagnosis of lumbosacralHNP and radiculopathy.

Key Words: Electrodiagnostic study, Straight leg raising test, Herniated nucleus pulposus