Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

FABER Test

also known as Patrick test
🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient supine, rest the ankle of the tested leg on the opposite thigh just above the knee, so the hip falls into flexion, abduction, and external rotation (a figure-4 position). Stabilize the opposite anterior superior iliac spine with one hand and, with the other, gently press the tested knee down toward the table.

How to Interpret

Showing 2 of 5 findings

Intra-articular Hip Pathology

Anterior groin/hip pain on FABER
Rule in
Not helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulWide CI
Evidence:Limited

Sacroiliac Joint Pathology

Positive FABER test
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Tasso M, Uguccioni V, Bertolini N, Bernasconi A, Mariconda M, Scarpa R, Costa L, Caso F. Role of Patrick-FABER test in detecting sacroiliitis and diagnosing spondyloarthritis in subjects with low back pain. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2023. PMID: 37650318.
  • Szadek KM, van der Wurff P, van Tulder MW, Zuurmond WW, Perez RS. Diagnostic validity of criteria for sacroiliac joint pain: a systematic review. J Pain. 2009;10(4):354-368. PMID: 19101212.
  • Maslowski E, Sullivan W, Forster Harwood J, Gonzalez P, Kaufman M, Vidal A, Akuthota V. The diagnostic validity of hip provocation maneuvers to detect intra-articular hip pathology. PM R. 2010;2(3):174-181. PMID: 20359681.
  • Patrick HT. Brachial neuritis and sciatica. JAMA. 1917;69(16):2176-2179.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hip Passive Range of Motion
Rule in:HHip Osteoarthritis, NHIntra-articular Hip Pathology, IEHip Flexion Contracture
Rule out:SHHip Osteoarthritis, NHIntra-articular Hip Pathology, IEHip Flexion Contracture
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hip Palpation
Rule in:SHHip Osteoarthritis, IEGluteal Tendinopathy, IEProximal Hamstring Tendinopathy +1 more
Rule out:MHHip Osteoarthritis, IEGluteal Tendinopathy, IEProximal Hamstring Tendinopathy +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hip Strength
Rule in:VHLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHCushing Syndrome, ICGluteal Tendinopathy +6 more
Rule out:HLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHGluteal Tendinopathy, NHCushing Syndrome +6 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Thoracolumbar Spine and Back Palpation
Rule in:HSpondylolisthesis, MHSpinal Malignancy, NHSacroiliac Joint Pathology +6 more
Rule out:SHSpondylolisthesis, ICSacroiliac Joint Pathology, ICSpinal Malignancy +6 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Thoracolumbar Active Range of Motion
Rule in:HLumbar Spinal Stenosis, IEAnkylosing Spondylitis
Rule out:MHLumbar Spinal Stenosis, IEAnkylosing Spondylitis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Trendelenburg Sign
aka Trendelenburg test
Rule in:HGluteal Tendinopathy
Rule out:ICGluteal Tendinopathy