Common tests for hip complex

Question 1

Stork standing test

Answer 1

Stand on one leg

Flex contralateral knee and place foot against medial ipsilateral knee

Question 2

Trendelenburg test

Answer 2

Stand on one leg
Pelvis on contralateral side should rise
Indicates positive test if it drops

Question 3

Thomas test

Answer 3

In supine
Bring one knee to chest
Contralateral leg should remain on table
If it rises, indicates positive test

Question 4

Flexion Quadrant test

Answer 4

In supine
Flex and adduct hip until resistance is felt
Then move hip into abduction, maintaining flexion in an arc of movement

Question 5

Ober’s test

Answer 5

In side lying, hip and knee flexed
Passively abduct and extend leg while stabilising pelvis
Slower lower leg and let go
If leg doesn’t fall to table, test is positive
Assesses tensor fascia latae

Question 6

FABER test

Answer 6

In supine
Flex hip, place ipsilateral foot onto contralateral knee
Passively move knee towards plinth
If unable to move, indicates positive test
Indicates iliopsoas spasm, dysfunction in hip or sacro-iliac joint