What condition is assessed during the Piriformis Test?

The Piriformis Test is specifically designed to assess for tightness or dysfunction of the piriformis muscle, which can lead to compression of the nearby sciatic nerve. When the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms, it can impinge on the sciatic nerve, causing symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttock and down the leg, often referred to as piriformis syndrome.

During the test, the clinician typically instructs the patient to lie on their back and flex the hip and knee to 90 degrees, while the clinician applies gentle pressure to the knee to assess for pain or discomfort in the hip or buttock area. If the test reproduces pain, it indicates that the piriformis muscle may be contributing to nerve compression, confirming the involvement of tightness in that muscle.

Understanding this mechanism is essential for both diagnosis and treatment, as addressing the tightness of the piriformis through stretching or strengthening exercises can significantly alleviate symptoms associated with this condition. Thus, the correct answer highlights the relationship between piriformis tightness and nerve compression, which is the primary focus of the Piriformis Test.