What does the Patrick test, also known as the FABERE test, assess?

What does the Patrick test, also known as the FABERE test, assess?

• A. Fractures of the lumbar spine
• B. Joint stability in the knee
• C. Sacroiliitis or hip osteoarthritis
• D. Labral tears in the hip

Answer: (C)

The Patrick test, or FABERE test, is designed to assess conditions related to the hip joint, specifically evaluating for sacroiliitis or hip osteoarthritis. During this test, the patient lies supine, and the examiner places the foot of the tested leg on the opposite knee, which creates a figure-four position. The examiner then gently presses down on the knee of the affected leg while stabilizing the opposite hip. A positive test—indicated by pain in the hip or sacroiliac region—suggests underlying pathology such as sacroiliitis or osteoarthritis in the hip joint. This assessment is beneficial in differentiating between hip pathology and lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint issues. The test is not aimed at diagnosing fractures of the lumbar spine, assessing joint stability in the knee, or identifying labral tears in the hip, making it a specific tool for hip-related conditions.

The Patrick test, or FABERE test, is designed to assess conditions related to the hip joint, specifically evaluating for sacroiliitis or hip osteoarthritis. During this test, the patient lies supine, and the examiner places the foot of the tested leg on the opposite knee, which creates a figure-four position. The examiner then gently presses down on the knee of the affected leg while stabilizing the opposite hip. A positive test—indicated by pain in the hip or sacroiliac region—suggests underlying pathology such as sacroiliitis or osteoarthritis in the hip joint.

This assessment is beneficial in differentiating between hip pathology and lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint issues. The test is not aimed at diagnosing fractures of the lumbar spine, assessing joint stability in the knee, or identifying labral tears in the hip, making it a specific tool for hip-related conditions.