The correlation of selected physical examination findings and the efficacy of physiotherapy for chronic lumbosacral pain.

BACKGROUND: Lumbosacral pain is a significant social problem. Effective treatment of this ailment should be based on thorough diagnostic work-up. The goal of the present study was to determine which physical examination findings can help predict a positive outcome of physiotherapy, including kinesitherapy and physical therapy, aimed at symptomatic improvement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 50 patients with lumbosacral pain syndromes presenting as lumbalgia and ischialgia.

RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations were ascertained between certain physical examination findings before the therapy and after the therapy.

CONCLUSION: The crossed Lasegue sign was the only component of the physical examination that correlated with the dynamic efficacy of the rehabilitation treatment.