We believe there is a degree of inaccuracy in the usual methods of evaluation of range at the hip in the sagittal plane, ie,
flexion-extension. We describe a simple method of measuring more accurately the range of hip flexion-extension, presuming
such ranges of motion should relate to the anatomic position of the pelvis. We used this technique for the measurement of
flexion and extension of the left hip in a cohort of 200 healthy individuals; we found a wide range of both flexion (80°–140°)
and extension (5°–40°). Especially with respect to extension, we believe more conventional methods underestimate the ranges
of motion. As a corollary to this study, we suggest some reappraisal of the straight-leg–raising test by which pain from nerve
root tension can be distinguished from a source of pain arising locally in intervertebral joints for mechanical reasons or
from the hip itself. We recommend the method described as being useful in the consulting office.
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patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.