Execution
- 1Position the patient supine or side-lying near the edge of the table according to the selected setup.
- 2Place the test hip in approximately 30 degrees of abduction.
- 3Move the hip into maximal extension and external rotation.
- 4Apply a posterior-to-anterior force through the posterior greater trochanter to stress anterior stability.
- 5Ask whether anterior hip pain, apprehension, or instability is reproduced.
Positive outcome
Reproduction of anterior hip pain or apprehension is positive for anterior hip microinstability. Relief with relocation or reduction of the anterior translation component strengthens the interpretation. The test should not be interpreted without considering dysplasia, capsular laxity, version, and prior surgery.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoppe et al. (2017) | NA | 80.6 | 89.4 | 7.6 | 0.22 |
CommentAB-HEER had the best overall accuracy among Hoppe’s three microinstability tests. It is still emerging evidence from a surgical reference-standard population, so general outpatient performance may differ. Interpret it as a moderate value test unless supported by imaging, laxity, and consistent history.
Moderate Clinical Value