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Special Tests for Hip Joint – A Physiotherapist’s Guide to Clinical Accuracy.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • Apr 10
  • 3 min read


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INTRODUCTION;

The hip joint is one of the most powerful and stable joints in the human body, enabling activities like walking, running, climbing, and squatting. When hip pain or mobility issues occur, accurate assessment is key. That’s where special tests for the hip joint play a vital role.

Whether you're dealing with labral tears, impingement, bursitis, hip instability, or nerve compression, these orthopedic tests help in diagnosing the root cause effectively and forming a focused rehabilitation plan.


Why Are Special Tests for the Hip Important?

✔️ Pinpoint specific structures causing pain

✔️ Differentiate between hip, lumbar spine, SI joint, or soft tissue issues

✔️ Rule in or rule out serious pathology (labral tear, fracture, AVN)

✔️ Guide treatment planning in physiotherapy or orthopedics

Let’s dive into the most clinically relevant hip special tests used by physiotherapists, orthopedic doctors, and sports rehab specialists.


1. FABER (Patrick's) Test.

  • Purpose: To detect hip joint pathology, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction, or iliopsoas spasm

  • How to Perform: Flex, Abduct, and Externally Rotate the hip (FABER). The patient lies supine with one ankle resting on the opposite knee.

  • Positive Sign: Pain in the groin = hip pathology; pain in the posterior pelvis = SI joint involvement


2. FADIR Test.

  • Purpose: Used to detect Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) and labral tears

  • How to Perform: Flex the hip to 90°, then adduct and internally rotate

  • Positive Sign: Sharp anterior hip or groin pain = FAI or labral pathology


3. Trendelenburg Test.

  • Purpose: Assesses gluteus medius weakness and hip abductor function

  • How to Perform: The patient stands on one leg.

  • Positive Sign: Pelvis drops on the non-stance side = Weak gluteus medius on the stance leg


4. Thomas Test.

  • Purpose: Evaluates hip flexor tightness (iliopsoas)

  • How to Perform: Patient lies supine and pulls one knee to the chest

  • Positive Sign: Opposite thigh lifts off the table = Tight hip flexors


5. Ober’s Test.

  • Purpose: Tests the Iliotibial (IT) band tightness

  • How to Perform: The Patient lies on the side. The therapist stabilizes the pelvis and drops the top leg backward

  • Positive Sign: Inability of leg to drop below the horizontal = Tight IT band


6. Scour Test (Hip Quadrant Test).

  • Purpose: Screens for intra-articular pathologies such as labral tears, osteoarthritis, or loose bodies

  • How to Perform: With the patient supine, compress and rotate the hip joint through its full range

  • Positive Sign: Pain, clicking, or catching sensation = Intra-articular pathology


7. Log Roll Test.

  • Purpose: Detects ligamentous laxity or labral pathology

  • How to Perform: With the leg extended, gently roll the thigh internally and externally

  • Positive Sign: Excessive range or clicking = Capsular laxity or labral tear


8. Piriformis Test (FAIR Test).

  • Purpose: Identifies piriformis syndrome, causing sciatic nerve compression

  • How to Perform: Flexion, Adduction, and Internal Rotation of the Hip

  • Positive Sign: Pain or tingling in the buttock or down the leg = Positive


9. Craig’s Test.

  • Purpose: Measures femoral anteversion

  • How to Perform: Patient lies prone, knee flexed at 90°. Rotate the hip and measure the angle at which the greater trochanter is most prominent

  • Positive Sign: Deviations from the normal range indicate abnormal anteversion


10. Leg Length Discrepancy Test.

  • Purpose: Detects anatomical leg length differences

  • How to Perform: Measure from ASIS to medial malleolus

  • Positive Sign: Unequal lengths = Possible structural discrepancy




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Clinical Relevance in Physiotherapy.

These tests form the foundation for diagnosing:

✔️ Osteoarthritis of the hip

✔️ Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

✔️ Hip labral tears

✔️ Bursitis and tendonitis

✔️ Gluteal weakness and hip instability

✔️ SI joint dysfunction and referred lumbar pain

By accurately identifying the structure involved, physiotherapists can create tailored rehab plans focusing on:

  • Muscle re-education

  • Joint mobilization

  • Postural correction

  • Functional strengthening

  • Return-to-sport protocols


Combine Tests for Higher Accuracy.

No single test gives a complete picture. The key is to combine multiple special tests with a thorough history, posture, palpation, gait assessment, and imaging (if needed) to make a confident diagnosis.


Looking for expert hip assessment and rehab in Chennai?

Visit Physio360 Centre in Chennai – trusted by thousands for:

✅ Accurate physical diagnosis using advanced orthopedic tests

✅ Manual therapy, dry needling, and evidence-based physiotherapy

✅ Personalized treatment plans for hip pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehab

Don’t let hip pain hold you back – Get stronger, move better, live pain-free.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

1.CLINICAL EXAMINATION AND PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF HIP JOINT‐RELATED PAIN IN ATHLETEShttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4223284/


2.Evaluation of the Hip: History and Physical Examinationhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2953301/.

 
 
 
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