FABER (Patrick) test assesses pathology in which region?

• A. Lumbar spine
• B. Hip joint
• C. Knee joint
• D. Sacroiliac joint

Answer: (B)

The FABER test is a provocative maneuver designed to stress the hip joint. By placing the hip in flexion, abduction, and external rotation (Patrick position), the clinician loads the acetabulum and femoral head. If this position reproduces groin pain, it suggests intra-articular hip pathology such as a labral tear or osteoarthritis. Pain localized to the buttock near the sacroiliac area can point toward SI joint involvement, but the test’s primary use is to assess the hip joint itself. It does not specifically target the knee or the lumbar spine, so those regions are less likely explanations for a positive result in this context.