Hip Special Tests - Sports Medicine

90-90 Straight Leg Raise Test

Describe: Athlete lies on their back and brings their knees up to 90 degrees flexion at the hip and hold them with both hands. The knees are in a bent relaxed position. The athlete then extends one knee at a time as much as possible.

Looking For: If the athlete cannot straighten their knee to less than 20 degrees

Means: Tight Hamstrings

Patrick or FABER Test

Describe: The athlete lies on their back on the table. They then place a foot on top of the opposite knee (cross their legs). The athletic trainer tries to slowly push the knee to the table. (FYI - FABER is an acronym for Flexion, ABduction, External Rotation – the position of the leg)

Looking For: Knee does not touch table

Means: Iliopsoas, Sacroiliac, or even hip joint abnormalities

Trendelenburg’s Test

Describe: Athlete stands on one foot for about 10 seconds and the switches extremities.

Looking For: When the hip on the opposite leg drops

Means: Weak Gluteus Medius muscle

Ober’s Test

Describe: Athlete lies on their side with their hips and knees straight. Athletic trainer moves top leg backward and slowly lowers it down without the athlete rolling backwards.

Looking For: Inability of the top leg to relax down to the table (FYI Leg will react like a “springboard” and hang in mid-air)

Means: Iliotibial Band Tightness

Piriformis Test

Describe: Athlete lays on their side with top leg hip bent to about 60 degrees and knee relaxed into flexion. Athletic trainer then gently pushes the bent knee down toward the table.

Looking For: Tightness or Pain in the hip and buttock

Means: Piriformis Tightness