Hip
Intra-Articular / SIJ
Evidence: confirmed
Patrick's Test (FABER) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Screening for hip joint pathology vs. Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction.
- FABER: Flexion, ABduction, External Rotation.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient lies supine.
- Action: Place the foot of the affected leg on the opposite knee (Figure-4 position).
- Force: Gently press down on the flexed knee while stabilizing the opposite hip.
Interpretation of Results
- Groin Pain: Indicates Hip Joint pathology (e.g., OA, Labral).
- Posterior/Buttock Pain: Indicates SI Joint dysfunction.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- High sensitivity for hip pathology identification.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Patrick's Test (FABER) should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Hip region, combining the Patrick's Test (FABER) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
