What is the proper positioning for the obturator test?

The obturator test is utilized to assess for irritation of the obturator internus muscle, which can occur due to conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or an appendiceal abscess. The proper positioning for performing this test involves the patient lying supine with the right leg flexed at the hip and knee.

In this position, the clinician can rotate the hip internally and externally by moving the lower leg while keeping the knee flexed. This action puts tension on the obturator internus muscle and may reproduce pain if there is irritation or other underlying pathology. By flexing the right leg at the hip, the clinician can effectively isolate the movements that stress the obturator internus and observe for any signs or symptoms indicative of a problem.

Other positions listed do not facilitate the specific movements required for the test: the supine position with the leg extended does not allow for the necessary flexion and rotation; sitting with arms crossed does not pertain to testing the obturator internus; and side-lying with the left leg bent alters the biomechanics necessary to perform the test effectively. Thus, the chosen position is critical for an accurate assessment.