Patrick (FABER) Test: How to Check for Hip and SI Joint Pain

The Patrick Test, also known as the FABER Test (for Flexion, ABduction, and External Rotation), is a multifunctional test for the hip. It is used to assess for hip joint pathology as well as dysfunction at the sacroiliac (SI) joint.

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of the Patrick Test is to identify pathology or dysfunction in several areas. The acronym FABER stands for Flexion, ABduction, and External Rotation. The test can indicate:

• Hip joint pathology (e.g., osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement - FAI).
• Iliopsoas muscle spasm or pain.
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pathology.

2. How to Perform

1. The patient is positioned in supine (lying on their back).
2. The examiner places the patient's test leg in the FABER position: the foot is placed on top of the opposite leg's knee (making a "figure 4" shape).
3. The examiner places one hand on the patient's flexed knee.
4. The examiner places the other hand on the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) of the opposite side to stabilize the pelvis.
5. The examiner gently presses down on the flexed knee, moving it toward the examination table.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive test is the reproduction of the patient's familiar pain:

• Groin or anterior hip pain: Suggests hip joint pathology (e.g., FAI, osteoarthritis, labral tear).
• Buttock or posterior (SI joint) pain: Suggests pathology at the Sacroiliac (SI) joint.
• The test leg remains significantly higher than the non-test leg (limited range of motion) is also a positive finding of tightness or restriction.

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is the absence of pain and a comparable range of motion to the uninjured side.