Thomas Test | Iliopsoas Length

Execution:

  1. Patient is in supine position with a neutral spine
  2. The patient is then asked to bring the leg not being tested to the chest as far as possible
  3. Optional: The examiner measures the angle at the knee to objectively measure the degree of shortening

 

Positive Outcome: Reproduction of the patient’s familiar groin pain

Study Reliability Sn Sp LR+ LR-
McCarthy et al. (1995): labral tear, synovitis, loose bodies, arthritic changes NA 89 92 11.1 0.12
Comment: The Thomas Test seems to be a valid test to detect variable hip pathologies according to McCarthy et al.