In the FABER/Patrick/Sign of 4 Test, how should the hip be positioned?

• A. Flexed and internally rotated
• B. Extended and adducted
• C. Flexed, abducted, and externally rotated
• D. Adducted and flexed

Answer: (C)

In the FABER (Flexion, ABduction, and External Rotation) test, the hip should indeed be positioned in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. This positioning is crucial as the test is designed to assess for hip joint pathology as well as sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

In this position, the leg is placed in a figure-four formation, which allows for the examination of the iliopsoas muscle and the surrounding structures, helping to identify any potential sources of pain or discomfort in the hip or lower back region. By flexing the hip while abducting and externally rotating it, the test places stress on the hip joint and the surrounding anatomical structures, enabling a clearer assessment of joint function and integrity.

The other options would not place the hip in the correct diagnostic position needed to perform this test effectively. Positions that involve internal rotation or adduction do not accurately replicate the conditions necessary to provoke symptoms related to the areas being evaluated, thus making them unsuitable for the intended assessment of hip or sacroiliac joint issues.