Kemp’s test is commonly used to assess which region?

• A. Lumbar facet joint pain
• B. Lumbar disc herniation
• C. SI joint dysfunction
• D. Knee OA

Answer: (A)

Kemp's test stresses the lumbar facet joints by combining extension with ipsilateral rotation and lateral flexion while applying downward pressure through the spine. If the facet joints are irritated or arthritic, this loading reproduces local low back pain (often felt in the paraspinal region and sometimes referral to the buttock), indicating facet-mediated pain. This makes it a useful way to identify facet joint involvement rather than disc-related radiculopathy, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or knee pathology. Disc herniation typically shows nerve-root–related symptoms and may be highlighted by straight-leg raise or other neural tension tests; SI joint dysfunction is usually teased out with SI-specific maneuvers; knee osteoarthritis involves the knee itself rather than the lumbar spine.