What does the FABER test assess?

What does the FABER test assess?

• A. To assess knee joint stability
• B. To assess hip joint and sacroiliac joint contribution to pain
• C. To test ankle dorsiflexion
• D. To evaluate quadriceps strength

Answer: (B)

The FABER maneuver targets the hip joint and the sacroiliac joint by placing the hip in flexion, abduction, and external rotation, then applying gentle pressure through the knee while stabilizing the pelvis. If pain is reproduced in the groin, it points to hip joint pathology (such as arthritis, impingement, or labral issues). If pain is felt in the buttock or SI joint area, it suggests sacroiliac joint involvement. This distinguishes hip and SI joint contributions to pain from issues of the knee, ankle, or quadriceps strength, which would not be the primary drivers of a positive FABER result.

The FABER maneuver targets the hip joint and the sacroiliac joint by placing the hip in flexion, abduction, and external rotation, then applying gentle pressure through the knee while stabilizing the pelvis. If pain is reproduced in the groin, it points to hip joint pathology (such as arthritis, impingement, or labral issues). If pain is felt in the buttock or SI joint area, it suggests sacroiliac joint involvement. This distinguishes hip and SI joint contributions to pain from issues of the knee, ankle, or quadriceps strength, which would not be the primary drivers of a positive FABER result.