Test: Patrick's - Faber Test

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

Patrick's FABER (Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation) test is used to identify hip joint pathology. The test is performed by having the patient lay supine on the table. The clinician passively moves the hip into flexion, then abduction and then external rotation. The ankle is then placed on the opposite knee. This position of the leg/knee is then assessed. Ideally the hip allows the knee to reach within two fists width of the table. Additionally a downward(posterior) pressure can be placed on the knee by the clinician to see if pain is elicited. If pain occurs in the hip being tested it is presumed that there may be some pathology in the hip. If pain is produced in the Sacro-iliac joint, then pathology is suspected there. To further test the SI joint in this position the clinician can place a hand on the opposite ilium to create more pelvic load.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

The clinician passively moves the hip into flexion, then abduction and then external rotation. The ankle is then placed on the opposite knee.

Criteria

• Knee comes to within 2 fists width of the table.
• Pain free ROM with pressure.

Measurement

2.00 fists width

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail