Standing iliosacral ‘stork’ or Gillet test
The therapist places one thumb on the PSIS and the other thumb on the ipsilateral sacral
crest, at the same level
The standing patient flexes knee and hip, and lifts the tested side knee so that he is
standing only on one leg
The normal response would be for the ilium on the tested side (the side where the leg is
raised) to rotate posteriorly
This would bring the thumb on the PSIS caudal and medial (Fig 5.19
Interpretation of the stork test
Lee (1999)states that this test (if performed on the right), ‘examines the ability of the right
innominate to posteriorly rotate, the sacrum to right rotate and the L5 vertebrae to right
rotate/sideflex’.
If, upon flexion of the knee and hip, the PSIS on that side moves cephalad in relation to the
sacrum, this is an indication of both pubic symphysis and iliosacral dysfunction – on that side.
This finding can be used to confirm the findings of the standing flexion test (above).
This ‘stork’ test may also indicate sacroiliac dysfunction on that same side (Petty & Moore 1998).
This would bring the thumb on the PSIS caudal and medial (Fig 5.19
Interpretation of the stork test
Lee (1999)states that this test (if performed on the right), ‘examines the ability of the right
innominate to posteriorly rotate, the sacrum to right rotate and the L5 vertebrae to right
rotate/sideflex’.
If, upon flexion of the knee and hip, the PSIS on that side moves cephalad in relation to the
sacrum, this is an indication of both pubic symphysis and iliosacral dysfunction – on that side.
This finding can be used to confirm the findings of the standing flexion test (above).
This ‘stork’ test may also indicate sacroiliac dysfunction on that same side (Petty & Moore 1998).
Following the standing flexion test and the stork test, the seated flexion test should be performed
Positional assessment based on standing flexion test
