During the flip test, which finding indicates nerve root irritation?

During the flip test, which finding indicates nerve root irritation?

• A. Apprehension
• B. Pain localized to the knee
• C. No pain
• D. Pain in the hip

Answer: (A)

Apprehension during this provocative maneuver indicates neural tension affecting a nerve root. The flip test is designed to place traction along the nerve pathways, so when a nerve root is irritated, the patient’s protective reaction—guarding, facial tension, or hesitation—signals neural provocation more than true joint or local tissue pain. Pain confined to the knee points to knee joint or soft-tissue pathology, not radiculopathy. Pain in the hip can arise from intra-articular hip disease or referred pain, not necessarily nerve root irritation. Absence of pain argues against nerve irritation. So the presence of an apprehensive or guarded response specifically reflects nerve root irritation in this context.

Apprehension during this provocative maneuver indicates neural tension affecting a nerve root. The flip test is designed to place traction along the nerve pathways, so when a nerve root is irritated, the patient’s protective reaction—guarding, facial tension, or hesitation—signals neural provocation more than true joint or local tissue pain. Pain confined to the knee points to knee joint or soft-tissue pathology, not radiculopathy. Pain in the hip can arise from intra-articular hip disease or referred pain, not necessarily nerve root irritation. Absence of pain argues against nerve irritation. So the presence of an apprehensive or guarded response specifically reflects nerve root irritation in this context.