Hip: Special Tests

Question 1

Ober’s Test

Answer 1

Tests for: ITB/TFL contractures. Also trochanteric bursitis and femoral nerve issues.

Sidelying. Bottom leg 90° hip/knee flexion for stability.
Stabilize lateral iliac crest.
Affected leg up. Passive hip extension, hyperabduction (no internal rotation).
Allow leg to lower.
Normal: 10° adduction

Positive: strong abduction
Knee flexed: TFL
Knee extended: ITB

Pain at greater trochanter: trochanteric bursitis

Neurological signs when knee bent: femoral nerve involvement.

Question 2

Piriformis Test

Answer 2

Tests integrity of piriformis and/or sciatic nerve

Side-lying. Affected side up. Knee flexed.

Hip brought to 60° flexion
Hip stabilized and downward pressure applied to knee.
May RROM external rotation

Positive:
pain in piriformis = tight muscle
Pain in buttocks, sciatic pain=piriformis syndrome

Question 3

Piriformis Length Test

Answer 3

Assesses length of piriformis muscle.

Prone. Knees flexed. Passive IR into W sign

Positive: less than 40° IR

Question 4

Faber’s Test

Answer 4

Flexion ABduction External Rotation

AKA Patrick’s Test

Tests for iliopsoas length, AF or SI joint pathologies

Supine. Figure 4 position. Possible POP

Positive sign: knee remains above unaffected leg (short iliopsoas or AF path) * stretch felt sup-ant
SI pain with POP: SI dysfunction

Question 5

Adductor length test

Answer 5

Tests for adductor length

Supine. Knee flexed, hip externally rotated, foot placed against inside thigh (supine tree pose)

Positive: knee remains above other leg. Stretch sensation in adductors

Question 6

Scouring Test

Answer 6

Tests for: joint capsule integrity and other hip paths (OA, osteophytes, capsular strain)

Supine. Passive hip/knee flexion, adduction toward opposite shoulder to point of resistance.

Maintain resistance while taking hip through abduction/adduction arc

Positive: leathery end feel. Crepitus. Bumpiness. Pain. Apprehension.

(If sensation more of an anterior pinch, ease off and come back in).

Question 7

Craig’s Test

Answer 7

AKA Ryder’s Sign

Tests for femoral anteversion

Prone. Knee flexed to 90°.
Palpate greater trochanter. IR until trochanter is parallel to table

Positive for hip anteversion: If Angle of Torsion is greater than 15° (and available IR >60° and ER decreased)

Question 8

Angle of torsion

Answer 8

In prone, with knee flexed and hip IR so greater trochanter parallel with table, the angle between vertical axis and line of lower leg.