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The Faber test, also known as the Patrick’s test or FABER (Flexion, ABduction, External Rotation) test, is a common physical examination test used by physiotherapists to assess hip joint pain and dysfunction. This test can help to identify musculoskeletal conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, labral tears, and hip impingement syndrome.
In this guide, we will discuss the indications, technique, interpretation, and limitations of the Faber test.
Indications for the Faber Test
The Faber test is indicated for patients who present with hip joint pain or dysfunction, particularly in the presence of groin or lateral hip pain. This test can help to differentiate between intra-articular and extra-articular causes of hip pain, such as musculotendinous strains, nerve impingements, or joint capsule restrictions. Additionally, the Faber test can be used to evaluate range of motion and functional mobility of the hip joint.
Technique of the Faber Test
The Faber test is performed with the patient lying supine on a treatment table. The following steps are involved in performing the Faber test:
Instruct the patient to lie supine on the treatment table with both legs extended and the arms at the sides.
Ask the patient to bring the affected leg up to the level of the opposite knee, with the knee flexed at a 90-degree angle. The foot should rest on the treatment table, with the ankle crossing over the opposite knee.
Place one hand on the affected knee and the other hand on the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) of the same side. Apply a downward pressure on the knee while stabilizing the ASIS with the other hand.
Gently abduct the affected hip joint, while maintaining a downward pressure on the knee. The hip joint should be externally rotated, with the foot resting on the opposite leg.
Hold this position for approximately 30 seconds, while observing the patient's response for any pain or discomfort.
Repeat the test on the opposite hip joint.
Interpretation of the Faber
Test The Faber test is considered positive if the patient experiences pain or discomfort in the hip joint or groin area during the test. A positive test may indicate intra-articular pathology such as hip osteoarthritis, labral tears, or hip impingement syndrome. In some cases, a positive test may also indicate extra-articular pathology such as a musculotendinous strain or nerve impingement.
Limitations of the Faber Test
It is important to note that the Faber test is not a definitive diagnostic test for hip joint pathology. A positive test may indicate the presence of hip joint dysfunction, but further diagnostic tests such as imaging studies or joint injections may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, the Faber test may produce false-positive or false-negative results, particularly in the presence of co-existing conditions such as lumbar spine pathology or pelvic instability.
Variations of the Faber Test
There are several variations of the Faber test that can be used to evaluate different aspects of hip joint function. Some of these variations include:
Modified Faber test: This test involves the same position as the standard Faber test, but with the affected leg positioned in a figure-four pattern instead of crossed over the opposite leg. This modification can help to differentiate between intra-articular and extra-articular causes of hip pain.
Faber test with hip rotation: In this variation, the patient is asked to actively rotate the hip joint while in the Faber position. This can help to evaluate range of motion and functional mobility of the hip joint.
Faber test with resisted abduction: This variation involves applying resistance to the affected leg while the patient attempts to abduct the hip joint while in the Faber position. This can help to evaluate the strength of the hip abductor muscles.
Faber test with adduction: In this variation, the patient is asked to adduct the affected leg while in the Faber position. This can help to evaluate the strength of the hip adductor muscles.
Faber test with straight leg raise: This variation involves the same position as the standard Faber test, but with the affected leg raised straight up towards the ceiling. This modification can help to evaluate range of motion and functional mobility of the hip joint.
The Faber test is a useful physical examination test for physiotherapists to evaluate hip joint pain and dysfunction. This test can help to differentiate between intra-articular and extra-articular causes of hip pain, evaluate range of motion and functional mobility of the hip joint, and assess the strength of the hip abductor and adductor muscles. However, it is important to note that the Faber test is not a definitive diagnostic test for hip joint pathology and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, variations of the Faber test may be used to evaluate different aspects of hip joint function.
References
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Written by Kyle van Heerden
Online Educator at Research Raconteur
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