Thomas Flexion Contracture Test
The Thomas test detects a hip flexion contracture. Have the patient lie supine. Ask the patient to flex both hips and knees, bringing the thighs to her chest so that the lumbar spine is pressed against the examination table. Ask the patient to hold one hip in flexion while straightening the other leg. The test is positive for a flexion contracture if the patient is unable to fully straighten, or if straightening requires the patient’s lumbar spine to lift off the tab