The effect of a sacroiliac joint manipulation on hip rotation ranges of motion in patients suffering with chronic sacroiliac syndrome

Abstract

Mechanical low back pain is one of the most common clinical disorders that most people seek help for (Painting et al. 1998:110). Epidemiological studies indicate a lifetime prevalence of low back pain ranging from 60 to 80% with an annual incidence of approximately 30% (Mosheni-Bandepi et al., 1998). The Sacroiliac (S.I.) joint is a significant source of pain in patients with chronic low back pain and it therefore warrants further study (Schwarzer et al. 1995:31).

S.I. syndrome is defined as pain over the S.I. joint in the region of the posterior superior iliac spine, which may be accompanied by referred pain over the buttock, greater trochanter, groin, posterior thigh, knee, and occasionally to the postero-lateral calf, ankle and foot (Kirkaldy-Willis, 1992:123).

Research indicates that there seems to be a correlation between low back pain, more specifically S.I. pain and hip rotation (Ellison et al. 1990, Cibulka et al. 1999, Fairbank et al. 1984). Cibulka et al. (1998) found that patients with lower back pain who were classified as having signs suggestive of S.I. regional pain had significantly more external rotation than internal rotation on the posterior innominate side i.e. side of S.I. dysfunction (approximately a 20 difference).

Manipulation is recognised as an effective means of treating mechanical low back pain, with respect to both Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome and S.I. Joint Syndrome (Assendelft et al. 1992 and Koes et al. 1996). Kirkaldy- Willis (1992:123) states that manipulation is the most certain way of relieving the symptoms of S.I. syndrome.

This investigation aimed to determine the effect of a sacroiliac joint manipulation on hip rotation ranges of motion (active and passive motion) in patients with chronic sacroiliac syndrome in terms of objective measures.