Which statement best describes the interpretation of a negative straight-leg raise test?

Which statement best describes the interpretation of a negative straight-leg raise test?

• A. It rules out radiculopathy completely
• B. Reduces likelihood but does not exclude radiculopathy
• C. It confirms radiculopathy
• D. It indicates hamstring tightness

Answer: (B)

The straight-leg raise assesses lumbar nerve root tension from disc herniation. A positive result—reproducing radicular pain in the leg when the leg is raised—supports radiculopathy, but a negative result does not completely rule it out. A negative test lowers the likelihood of radiculopathy but cannot exclude it because false negatives can occur: nerve root irritation may be present without provoking symptoms with this maneuver, pain pathologies may irritate the nerve roots in other ways, or the radiculopathy might involve areas not well stretched by this test. In practice, consider additional signs (sensation, strength, reflexes) and other tests (like cross-stimulation or slump test) if radiculopathy is still suspected. A negative test does not indicate hamstring tightness; hamstring tightness can affect how far the leg is lifted but is not the interpretation of a negative radiculopathy assessment.

The straight-leg raise assesses lumbar nerve root tension from disc herniation. A positive result—reproducing radicular pain in the leg when the leg is raised—supports radiculopathy, but a negative result does not completely rule it out. A negative test lowers the likelihood of radiculopathy but cannot exclude it because false negatives can occur: nerve root irritation may be present without provoking symptoms with this maneuver, pain pathologies may irritate the nerve roots in other ways, or the radiculopathy might involve areas not well stretched by this test. In practice, consider additional signs (sensation, strength, reflexes) and other tests (like cross-stimulation or slump test) if radiculopathy is still suspected.

A negative test does not indicate hamstring tightness; hamstring tightness can affect how far the leg is lifted but is not the interpretation of a negative radiculopathy assessment.