Which statement about the sphinx test is true in sacral torsion assessment?

Which statement about the sphinx test is true in sacral torsion assessment?

• A. Positive sphinx test indicates the dysfunction will improve.
• B. Positive sphinx test indicates the dysfunction will worsen.
• C. The sphinx test is not used in sacral diagnosis.
• D. The sphinx test diagnoses hip pathology.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how the sacrum responds to extension in the sphinx position. In sacral torsion assessment, having the patient lie prone and extend the spine (the sphinx position) allows the sacrum to move toward a more neutral position. If this extension relieves symptoms or reduces sacral asymmetry, the test is considered positive, signaling that the dysfunction is dynamic and likely to improve with sacral correction or manipulation. This positive response supports a prognosis of improvement with appropriate treatment. The sphinx test is a tool for sacral diagnosis and is not used to diagnose hip pathology, and a positive result does not indicate worsening.

The main idea here is how the sacrum responds to extension in the sphinx position. In sacral torsion assessment, having the patient lie prone and extend the spine (the sphinx position) allows the sacrum to move toward a more neutral position. If this extension relieves symptoms or reduces sacral asymmetry, the test is considered positive, signaling that the dysfunction is dynamic and likely to improve with sacral correction or manipulation. This positive response supports a prognosis of improvement with appropriate treatment. The sphinx test is a tool for sacral diagnosis and is not used to diagnose hip pathology, and a positive result does not indicate worsening.