You’re in the middle of a hip evaluation, and the patient groans as you guide their leg into that classic figure-four position. You’re performing the FABERE Test, a staple in orthopedic assessments that packs a lot of diagnostic power into a single, simple movement.
What is the FABERE Test?
The FABERE Test (FAH-behr), also known as Patrick’s Test, is a passive, non-painful screening test used to assess for pathology in the hip joint and sacroiliac joint. The acronym stands for the combined movements of hip Flexion, ABduction, and External Rotation, with E representing the force applied over the knee. This specific position compresses the hip joint and stresses the sacroiliac (SI) joint, helping you differentiate between these common sources of pain.
Why FABERE Matters in Physical Therapy Practice
This test is a critical screening tool for your plan of care. A positive test can indicate a variety of issues, from hip osteoarthritis and labral tears to iliopsoas tendinopathy or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The results directly guide your initial differential diagnosis, helping you decide whether to focus your early interventions on joint mobilization, soft tissue work, or neuromuscular re-education. It’s a quick, efficient way to gather valuable information without a lot of equipment or special preparation.
What You’ll See in the Clinic
The test is performed with the patient supine. You passively bring the patient’s test-side ankle to rest on the opposite knee, creating the figure-four position. Then, you apply gentle, even pressure on the medial aspect of the flexed knee and the contralateral anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to stabilize the pelvis.
“Performed FABERE test on the right. Patient reports a deep, sharp pain in the right groin with a classic pinching sensation. Range of motion into the test position was limited to 50% of normal compared to the left. This suggests a likely intra-articular source of pain over a primary SI joint dysfunction.”
Common Pitfall & Pro Tip
⚠️ Pitfall: Pressing down on the knee too aggressively or focusing only on the hip. The SI joint is also stressed in this position, and a lack of stabilization over the opposite ASIS can give you a false negative or positive.
💡 Pro Tip: Watch the patient’s face, not just the range. Ask them to localize the pain. Pain in the groin is highly indicative of an intra-articular hip problem, while pain felt strictly over the sacroiliac joint points more toward SIJ dysfunction. This simple question helps you immediately narrow down your hypothesis.
Memory Aid for FABERE
Just remember the “Figure Four” stretch—that’s the position. The acronym FABERE is your checklist: Flex the hip, ABduct the leg, Externally rotate, and apply Extension (or pressure) to the knee. The name itself is a step-by-step guide.
NPTE Connection
This test frequently appears in exam questions about the hip and pelvis. You’ll see it in scenarios describing a patient with groin pain, post-total hip arthroplasty, or as a way to differentiate between lumbar and hip origin symptoms. Be ready to identify the positive finding and the most likely involved structure.
Related Physical Therapy Concepts
The FABERE test is a key part of the Hip Joint Special Test Cluster, which also includes FADDIR (Flexion, ADduction, Internal Rotation) and the Scour Test. It’s also essential for differentiating from Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, where you’d perform specific SIJ provocation tests like the Thigh Thrust or Gaenslen’s Test.
Quick Reference
✓ Positive test: Pain in the groin (hip) or SI joint, or limited ROM with pinching ✓ Priority level: High – Key screening tool for hip and SI joint pathology ✓ PT Interventions/Considerations: • Assess bilateral hip AROM/PROM for comparison • Use results to guide initial focus (hip vs. SIJ) • Combine with other tests (FADDIR, Scour) for a cluster • Refer to physician if concern for severe OA or avascular necrosis • Educate patient on joint protection and activity modification
Bottom line: The FABERE test is a quick, reliable way to get a clear signal about where your patient’s hip pain is truly coming from, setting the stage for a targeted and effective treatment plan.