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MSK 2.2 — Hip

Hip Examination

FABER, FADIR, Thomas, Trendelenburg, Ober's, piriformis test, and paediatric hip differentials.

🔥 OSTEOPATHY Hot Hip Tip

Hip OA often presents held in flexion and external rotation, and loses extension and internal rotation first.

Hip Tests

TestAssessesPositionPositive FindingModification
FABERHip vs SISupineGroin/SI painPregnant: side-lying/seated.
FADIRFAI / labrumSupineAnterior groin painUse side-lying if supine not tolerated.
ThomasIliopsoas tightnessSupineOpposite leg liftsPregnant: avoid after 20 weeks.
TrendelenburgGluteus mediusStandingOpposite pelvis dropsGeriatric: support patient.
Ober'sITB/TFL tightnessSide-lyingLeg fails to adductAlready side-lying friendly.
PiriformisPiriformis syndromeSide-lying/supineButtock/sciatic painGentle in pregnancy/elderly.
Hip TractionJoint pain reliefSupineRelief with tractionGeriatric: gentle force.
Weber-BarstowLeg lengthSupineMalleoli discrepancyCan do seated comparison if needed.
Adductor/InguinalAdductor strain / hernia regionSupineGroin painPregnant: very gentle; consider pelvic girdle pain.

🧒 Paediatric Hip Differentials

  • DDH — Barlow/Ortolani in infants
  • Perthes disease — age 4-10, limp, limited abduction/internal rotation
  • SCFE — adolescent, hip/knee pain, obligate external rotation, urgent referral
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