The Faber hip test, also known as the figure-four or Patrick's test, is a physical examination used to assess for limitations in hip range of motion.
How is the Faber Test Performed?
Here's a breakdown of how the test is administered, according to the provided YouTube reference:
- Patient Position: The patient lies on their back (supine position).
- Leg Placement: The leg being tested is bent and the ankle is placed on top of the opposite knee, forming a figure-four shape (hence the name "figure-four test").
- Assessment: The examiner observes and notes any limitations in hip motion during this maneuver, which could suggest hip joint pathology.
What Does the Faber Test Indicate?
A positive Faber test, indicated by pain or a restricted range of motion in the hip joint or groin, can potentially point towards the following:
- Hip Joint Issues: This could include problems such as hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or labral tears.
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Pain in the sacroiliac (SI) joint area during the test might indicate a problem with the SI joint.
- Muscular Issues: Tightness or pain in the surrounding muscles can also contribute to a positive result.
Key Points:
- The test assesses hip range of motion, specifically external rotation, abduction, and flexion (hence Flexion, ABduction, and ERternal rotation - FABER).
- The reference video refers to it as a test for the limitation of hip range of motion.
- A positive result requires further clinical assessment and imaging to determine the cause of hip pain.
