Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Patrick's test is indicative of what type of condition?

1. Fracture of the femur

2. Hip dislocation

3. Nerve root impingement

4. Labral tear

The correct answer is: Nerve root impingement

Patrick's test, also known as the FABER (flexion, abduction, and external rotation) test, is primarily used to assess the hip joint and the surrounding structures. It helps to evaluate for hip pathologies, including labral tears, osteoarthritis, and other conditions affecting the hip joint. In the context of this question, if the test is positive and indicates nerve root impingement, it suggests that there may be an underlying issue related to the lumbar spine or SI (sacroiliac) joint. When the patient’s leg is positioned in the FABER maneuver, pain can indicate several issues. If the test elicits pain that radiates to the groin or back, it can point to nerve root involvement. This is particularly true if the hip joint itself does not present with significant local tenderness, hinting that the issue may be radicular rather than purely musculoskeletal. Although the test can identify conditions such as labral tears or hip joint issues, the specific presentation in question highlights the relationship of the hip joint's function with the lumbar spine and nerves exiting from that area. Thus, interpreting a positive Patrick's test as indicative of nerve root impingement emphasizes the correlation between hip symptoms and potential neurological involvement stemming from the