Clinical examination for Sciatica

Sensory testing

—Posterior thigh
—Lateral & posterior calf
—Foot


Power testing

—Footdrop (plantar flexed foot)
—Weakness of knee flexion


Reflex testing

—Knee jerk – INTACT
—Ankle jerk – ABSENT
—Plantar response - ABSENT


Nerve root tension tests
- Moving the legs in certain ways that stretch the sciatic nerve
- If the patient experiences pain during these tests, an irritated sciatic nerve is likely to be a source of the pain.


1. Straight Leg Raising test (SLR) & Bragard’s test
- positive if pain occurs between 20 & 70 degrees


2. Crossed straight leg raise test
- Symptoms are reproduced in the symptomatic leg by performing a straight leg raise test on the opposite leg

3. Sciatic palpation test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLIb3LGmmLI