Faber Tests

What is a Faber Test?

The, also called Patrick's Test or the Flexion, Abduction, and External Rotation test, is a diagnostic tool healthcare professionals use to identify potential pathologies in the sacroiliac, lumbar, or hip region. Developed by Hugh Talbot Patrick, an esteemed American neurologist, this assessment involves reproducing pain in the areas mentioned above, which may indicate underlying conditions such as sacroiliitis joint dysfunction, iliopsoas strain, intra-articular hip disorder, or posterior hip impingement. These findings warrant further examination to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Similar to specific physical exams, a standardized template for this test doesn’t exist. However, we’ve created a FABER test template for your benefit and ease.. You can use this document as a guide, reference, or document to record your patient’s results and any additional observations or findings.

On our template, you can expect to see the following:

• Basic, essential information such as the examination date, patient name, and your name as the examiner
• A step-by-step on how to conduct the test
• A guide on how to know if your patient is positive
• A dedicated space where you can write your patient’s results or additional observations/findings you may have

Think this document will help you in your practice? Continue to the next section for more information on downloading and using the FABER test template.

How does it work?

Access and Download the Template

To access and download our printable FABER test, do either of the following:

• Click the “Use Template” or “Download Template” button above
• Search “FABER test” on Carepatron’s template library’s search bar on the website or app

Conduct the Test

Once you have a copy of the template, fill out the essential information, such as your name, your patient’s name, and the assessment date. Then, you may follow the test instructions provided on the template.

So that you have an idea of the step-by-step provided on the template, we’ll also write down the directions below.

FABER Test Instructions

1. Have the patient lie down or be in a supine position.
2. Create a “figure-4” position with the patient’s affected leg. Ensure that the ankle is placed on the opposite knee.
3. Gently push the knee of the patient’s affected side toward the examining table. You may use one hand to do this while the other hand must be placed on the pelvis or opposite hip to prevent it from moving.

Interpret

As soon as you’ve finished, it’s time to interpret. We’ve provided a test result guide on the template, which we’ll also add below:

FABER Test Result:

(+) Positive test if:

• There is pain in the groin or buttocks

Feel free to write down any additional notes, observations, or findings you may have in the space provided at the bottom of the template.

Proceed with the Next Steps

Since the test can’t diagnose any hip, lumbar, or sacroiliac lumbar region pathology alone, if the patient tests positive, it’s best if you recommend that they have the patient undergo further testing to finalize a diagnosis.

When would you use this Form?

Practitioners such as general physicians, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, and sports therapists may use the FABER test as one of the assessments to determine if the patient has any hip, lumber, or sacroiliac joint pathologies.

To be more specific, the mentioned practitioners can use this test when their patient is exhibiting the following symptoms:

• Pain in the groin or hip joint that may extend to the thigh and knee
• Limping
• Stiffness of muscles
• Pain in the affected leg if one applies weight on it
• Reduced movement in the hip joint

Benefits

Saves Time and Effort

Not only is the test itself quick to conduct, but with the template, you don’t need to search for instructions on how to do the test and create notes for the results from scratch.

Written Copies for Reference

With the free FABER test template, you will definitely have written copies for reference or basis when requesting additional tests, writing down details of the patient’s story/personal observations, or asking for opinions from fellow practitioners.

Accessible

Compared to other tests and assessments, the FABER test template is an accessible document that doesn’t have a paywall nor needs an account to access and use.

Entirely Digital

Though our FABER test template is printable, it’s also entirely digital. You can access it on any device you have on hand and store completed ones for immediate access on Carepatron at any time.

Research & Evidence

According to multiple studies, further research has yet to be made to conclude about the accuracy, reliability, and validity of the FABER test. Currently, results have shown low figures, especially if it’s used as the sole test for diagnosing hip and sacroiliac joint pathologies. It’s recommended that further tools or tests be used to formulate a diagnosis. 

References

Bagwell, J. J., Bauer, L., Gradoz, M., & Grindstaff, T. L. (2016). THE RELIABILITY OF FABER TEST HIP RANGE OF MOTION MEASUREMENTS. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 11(7), 1101-1105. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5159634/

Cattley, P., Winyard, J., Trevaskis, J., & Eaton, S. (2002). Validity and reliability of clinical tests for the sacroiliac joint. A review of literature. Australasian chiropractic & osteopathy : journal of the Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia, 10(2), 73–80.

Tijssen, M., van Cingel, R., Willemsen, L., & de Visser, E. (2012). Diagnostics of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Labral Pathology of the Hip: A Systematic Review of the Accuracy and Validity of Physical Tests. Arthroscopy: The Journal Of Arthroscopic &Amp; Related Surgery, 28(6), 860-871. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2011.12.004