If you have an anterior torsion, what do you expect for a sphinx and spring test?

• A. Negative spring (there will be a spring)
• B. Positive sphinx test (dysfunction will improve)
• C. Positive spring (no spring)
• D. Sphinx test will worsen the dysfunction

Answer: (A)

When the sacrum is in an anterior torsion, the base is rotated forward. The spring test checks how the sacral base responds to an anterior-directed pressure. In this pattern, there isn’t a tight posterior barrier resisting that motion; you’ll feel the sacrum give and rebound—a springing sensation. That’s described as a negative spring test, i.e., there will be a spring. The sphinx test outcome isn’t as reliably tied to this specific torsion pattern, so it isn’t as determinative here. Therefore, the result that best fits an anterior torsion is a springy response on the spring test (negative spring).