A Novel Physical Examination Test for Ischiofemoral Impingement: Validation With Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlation.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to propose and validate a novel physical examination test for ischiofemoral impingement with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlation. We prospectively studied 24 women with buttock (deep gluteal) pain and 27 asymptomatic women. Each group underwent a 2-stage physical examination test that featured hip adduction-external rotation-extension and knee flexion. Visual analog scale pain scores were noted just before and during test stages on both sides. The MRI findings of the ischiofemoral impingement were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Mean ages were 56.0 and 55.2 years (P = 0.797), and mean body mass indexes were 29.1 and 28.8 kg/m2 (P = 0.817) in symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively. Ischiofemoral spaces were significantly narrower (P < 0.001), ischial angles were wider (P < 0.001, right; P = 0.002, left), and soft tissue edema at the ischiofemoral space was more common (P < 0.001) in the symptomatic group, which also had higher pretest visual analog scale scores (P < 0.001) that increased significantly during both upright standing (P = 0.003, right; P < 0.001, left) and recumbent (P < 0.001 for both sides) stages of the physical examination test. A novel physical examination test significantly increases symptoms of ischiofemoral impingement with positive MRI correlation.