Execution
- 1Position the patient supine.
- 2Place the test leg in flexion, abduction, and external rotation so the foot rests near the opposite knee.
- 3Stabilize the opposite ASIS with one hand.
- 4Apply gentle downward pressure on the flexed knee.
- 5Record whether pain is reproduced in the groin, hip, lateral hip, or posterior sacroiliac region.
Positive outcome
Posterior pain localized to the sacroiliac joint region is considered positive for SIJ provocation. Groin pain is more consistent with hip joint involvement. Reduced range or lateral hip pain should not be automatically classified as SIJ pain.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magee eAppendix 10.1 reference 100 | test-retest κ = 0.62 | 10 | 86 | 0.41 | 1.05 |
| Broadhurst & Bond (1998) | NA | 34 | 92 | NA | NA |
CommentFABER is originally a hip provocation test and only becomes an SIJ test when the pain is posterior and localized to the SI region. Magee’s evidence table does not support strong standalone SIJ diagnostic value. Use it mainly to differentiate hip versus posterior pelvic pain and not as a primary SIJ rule-in test.
Low Clinical Value