Test: Pelvic Obliquity - manual testing

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Pelvic obliquity occurs when the pelvis tilts to one side. This is often due to an anatomical short leg. This condition needs to differentiated from pelvic distortion. A pelvic distortion occurs when there is joint or muscle dysfunction.

Procedure

With the subject standing, the examiner places their hands on the iliac crests and note the height of the hands relative to each other. Slowly move the hands toward mid-line and the hands should meet together.
If the hands are at the same height initially and come together at mid-line at the same height it is considered a passing test. If the hands are at different heights initially then meet together at mid-line it is considered a failing test. This would indicate a pelvic obliquity.
In a case where the pelvis is level but the hands do not come together at mid-line would indicate a pelvic distortion. In this case, the pelvic obliquity test would be passing. This can also be verified by assess the height of the greater trochanters which should be at the same height.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Assess an un-leveling of the pelvis

Criteria

• Unlevel iliac creasts
• Hands meet at midline as they move on crests
• Greater trochanters at un-equal height

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail