Hip Grind (Scouring) Test: How to Check for Labral Tears or OA

The Hip Grind Test, also known as the Scouring Test, is a key diagnostic maneuver used by physiotherapists to assess for intra-articular hip pathology, such as a labral tear or osteoarthritis (OA).

1. Purpose

The primary purpose is to **test for** intra-articular hip pathology. It is designed to "scour" or "grind" the femoral head against the acetabulum (hip socket) to detect issues like a glenoid labrum tear or osteoarthritis (articular cartilage damage).

2. How to Perform

1. The patient is positioned in supine (lying on their back).
2. The examiner flexes the patient's hip and knee fully, then moves the hip to 90 degrees of flexion.
3. The examiner applies a downward (axial) compressive force along the length of the femur.
4. While maintaining this compression, the examiner moves the hip through an arc of motion, combining adduction/abduction and internal/external rotation (a "scouring" motion).

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive test (indicating hip pathology) is:

• Reproduction of the patient's familiar, sharp pain in the groin or hip.
• A palpable or audible "catching," "grinding," or "popping" sensation.
• This suggests a potential labral tear or articular cartilage defect.

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is the absence of pain or abnormal sensations during the scouring motion.