Special Tests of the Lower Extremity

From Laura Inverarity, D.O., former About.com Guide

Updated September 12, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

The Patrick or FABER test is a screening test for pathology of the hip joint or sacrum.
The test is performed as follows:
Place the patient in the supine position
Flex the leg and put the foot of the tested leg on the opposite knee. (the motion is that of Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation at the hip)
Slowly press down on the superior aspect of the tested knee joint lowering the leg into further abduction
The test is positive if there is pain at the hip or sacral joint, or if the leg can not lower to the point of being parallel to the opposite leg.

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• Patrick's (or FABER) Test
• Ober's Test
• Thomas Test

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