Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Straight Leg Raise

also known as Lasègue sign
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How to Perform

With the patient supine, lift the symptomatic leg by the heel, slowly flexing the hip while keeping the knee straight. A positive test is radiating leg pain below the knee at about 30–70° of hip flexion. Pain limited to the low back or posterior thigh does not constitute a positive test.

How to Interpret

Showing 3 of 4 findings

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Positive straight leg raise
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Strong

Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Positive crossed straight leg raise
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Strong
Positive straight leg raise
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpfulWide CI
Evidence:ModerateResearch in progress

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming soon
Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Ankle jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, MHHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
🎬Video coming soon
Calf Circumference
Rule in:HLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHSarcopenia, MHDeep Vein Thrombosis +1 more
Rule out:SHSarcopenia, MHDeep Vein Thrombosis, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +1 more
🎬Video coming soon
Gait Assessment
Rule in:VHStroke, HFalls, HVascular Parkinsonism +24 more
Rule out:SHDementia, SHVascular Parkinsonism, MHFalls +24 more
🎬Video coming soon
Patellar Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Knee jerk
Rule in:VHLumbosacral Radiculopathy, VHPeripheral Neuropathy, IECerebellar Disease +5 more
Rule out:SHPeripheral Neuropathy, ICLumbosacral Radiculopathy, IECerebellar Disease +5 more
🎬Video coming soon
Knee Strength
Rule in:VHFunctional Neurologic Disease, IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEFemoral Neuropathy +2 more
Rule out:SHFunctional Neurologic Disease, IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEFemoral Neuropathy +2 more
🎬Video coming soon
Hip Strength
Rule in:VHFunctional Neurologic Disease, VHGluteal Tendinopathy, VHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +6 more
Rule out:HGluteal Tendinopathy, HLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHFunctional Neurologic Disease +6 more

Related Systems / Regions

BackHipLower ExtremitiesMusculoskeletalNeurological

Related Diagnoses

Cauda Equina SyndromeLumbar Disc HerniationLumbosacral Radiculopathy

Related Chief Complaints

Back PainBladder ProblemsBowel IncontinenceLeg NumbnessLeg PainLeg WeaknessSaddle NumbnessSciaticaShooting Leg PainTingling in the LegUrinary IncontinenceUrinary Retention

References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

  • van der Windt DAWM, Simons E, Riphagen II, Ammendolia C, Verhagen AP, Laslett M, Deville W, Deyo RA, Bouter LM, de Vet HCW, Aertgeerts B. Physical examination for lumbar radiculopathy due to disc herniation in patients with low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Feb 17;(2):CD007431. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007431.pub2. PMID 20166095.
  • Montaner-Cuello A, Bueno-Gracia E, Rodríguez-Mena D, Estébanez-de-Miguel E, Malo-Urriés M, Ciuffreda G, Caudevilla-Polo S. Is the straight leg raise suitable for the diagnosis of radiculopathy? Analysis of diagnostic accuracy in a phase III study. Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11(24):3138. doi:10.3390/healthcare11243138. PMID: 38132028.
  • van der Windt DAWM, Simons E, Riphagen II, Ammendolia C, Verhagen AP, Laslett M, et al. Physical examination for lumbar radiculopathy due to disc herniation in patients with low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(2):CD007431. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007431.pub2. PMID: 20166095.
  • Fairbank J, Hashimoto R, Dailey A, Patel AA, Dettori JR. Does patient history and physical examination predict MRI proven cauda equina syndrome? Evid Based Spine Care J. 2011 Nov;2(4):27-33. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1274754. PMID 23230403. PMC3506147. Open access.
  • Lazarević LK. Ischias postica Cotunnii: jedan prilog za njenu diferencijalnu dijagnozu. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 1880;7:23-35.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.