Which examination test is commonly used to diagnose femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?

• A. FABER test
• B. FADIR test (flexion, adduction, internal rotation)
• C. Ober test
• D. Thomas test

Answer: (B)

FAI is best identified when the hip is moved into a position that brings the femoral head-neck junction into contact with the acetabulum, reproducing the characteristic pain. The FADIR maneuver places the hip in flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, which narrows the anterior-superior joint space and compresses the structures involved in impingement. If impingement is present, this often elicits deep groin pain, sometimes with a catching sensation, making this test highly useful as a screening exam for FAI.

Other tests help in broader hip pathology assessment but are less specific for FAI. For example, the FABER test stresses different portions of the hip and can indicate intra-articular or other hip issues but doesn’t target the impingement mechanism as directly. The Ober test checks tightness of the iliotibial band, and the Thomas test screens for hip flexion contractures; neither specifically reproduces the impingement position linked to FAI.

So, the FADIR test is the most commonly used and informative exam for identifying femoroacetabular impingement. Imaging is usually pursued afterward to characterize cam or pincer morphology.