Ready to Learn?
Sphinx “Backward Bending” Test
CreatedJune 10, 2020
Last UpdatedJune 16, 2023
byMeghan
You are here:
Used to determine if a sacral diagnosis is flexed or extended
With the patient prone, the examiner monitors the sacral sulci while instructing the patient to extend by “getting up on your elbows like you’re going to watch tv.”
Test is considered to be positive if the sulci do not even out, or if pain is produced during the extension phase, indicating an extended sacrum
Table of Contents