Special Tests of the Lower Extremity

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.