What does a positive FABER test indicate?

• A. Instability in the knee joint
• B. Pain or dysfunction at the hip
• C. Reduction in range of motion in the ankle
• D. No significant findings

Answer: (B)

A positive FABER test, which stands for Flexion, Abduction, and External Rotation, indicates pain or dysfunction at the hip. This specific orthopedic test is used to assess the hip joint, as well as the sacroiliac joint and surrounding structures. When the patient lies supine and the leg is positioned in the FABER position while pressure is applied to the knee, pain suggests that there may be underlying issues such as hip joint pathology, iliopsoas muscle strain, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

The test is particularly valuable because it helps differentiate between hip joint problems and those related to other areas in the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle. Thus, a positive FABER test is clinically relevant, indicating a need for further evaluation of the hip region or the sacroiliac joint for diagnosis and management.