What does a present Ely Sign primarily suggest?

What does a present Ely Sign primarily suggest?

• A. Weak quadriceps
• B. Tight hip flexors
• C. Weak hamstrings
• D. Fractured pelvis

Answer: (B)

A present Ely Sign is primarily indicative of tightness in the rectus femoris muscle, which is one of the hip flexors. To elicit the Ely Sign during a physical examination, a clinician flexes the knee while observing for hip movement; if the hip rises during this maneuver, it suggests that the rectus femoris is tight. This connection arises because the rectus femoris not only crosses the knee joint but also the hip joint, impacting the hip's position when the knee is flexed. Therefore, observing the Ely Sign helps assess the flexibility of the hip flexors, supporting the interpretation that tightness in this muscle group may be present.

A present Ely Sign is primarily indicative of tightness in the rectus femoris muscle, which is one of the hip flexors. To elicit the Ely Sign during a physical examination, a clinician flexes the knee while observing for hip movement; if the hip rises during this maneuver, it suggests that the rectus femoris is tight.

This connection arises because the rectus femoris not only crosses the knee joint but also the hip joint, impacting the hip's position when the knee is flexed. Therefore, observing the Ely Sign helps assess the flexibility of the hip flexors, supporting the interpretation that tightness in this muscle group may be present.