American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

In the assessment of hip pain related to intra-articular issues, what should be included in the physical exam?

1. FABER and FADIR tests

2. McMurray test only

3. Range of motion assessment alone

4. Palpation of the knee joint

The correct answer is: FABER and FADIR tests

The correct response includes the FABER (Flexion, ABduction, and External Rotation) and FADIR (Flexion, Adduction, and Internal Rotation) tests because these assessments specifically evaluate hip joint function and help identify intra-articular issues. The FABER test is utilized to determine if there is hip joint pathology as well as to assess for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In contrast, the FADIR test is performed to assess for conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears. Together, these tests provide valuable information on potential sources of pain and dysfunction within the hip joint. Intra-articular issues can result from various conditions, including labral tears, arthritis, or femoroacetabular impingement; thus, using these tests in your physical exam can guide appropriate diagnosis and management. Combining both tests enhances the comprehensive assessment of hip pain, helping to differentiate between intra-articular and extra-articular causes. Other options are less comprehensive for addressing hip pain. The McMurray test, primarily designed for assessing knee ligament injuries, is not suited for evaluating hip pathologies. Solely assessing range of motion does not provide the specificity needed for diagnosing intra-articular hip issues, and palpation