American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

In which condition would a FABER test be utilized?

1. Anterior cruciate ligament tear

2. Sacroiliitis

3. Medial collateral ligament tear

4. Tarsal tunnel syndrome

The correct answer is: Sacroiliitis

The FABER test, which stands for Flexion, Abduction, and External Rotation, is primarily used to evaluate hip and sacroiliac joint pathology. It involves placing the patient in a position where one leg is flexed, abducted, and externally rotated, and then assessing for pain or discomfort in the hip or lower back region. In the context of sacroiliitis, the FABER test is particularly useful because this condition is characterized by inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which can lead to pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hips. When performing the FABER test on a patient with sacroiliitis, pain during the maneuver suggests that the sacroiliac joint is involved in the patient's pathology, helping to establish a diagnosis. Other conditions mentioned, such as an anterior cruciate ligament tear, medial collateral ligament tear, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, focus on different anatomical structures and mechanics. They do not directly involve the assessment of the hip or sacroiliac joint, making the FABER test less relevant for those issues. Utilizing the FABER test in cases of sacroiliitis effectively aids in distinguishing the source of pain and contributes to an appropriate treatment plan.