Patricks Test: Pain in the SI area during testing indicates which pathology?

• A. SI pathology
• B. Hip pathology
• C. ACL injury
• D. MCL injury

Answer: (A)

Patrick's test, also known as the FABER test, places the hip in flexion, abduction, and external rotation while the clinician applies gentle pressure to the knee and opposite hip. This position stresses the sacroiliac (SI) joint as the leg is moved toward the table. If pain is reproduced specifically in the sacroiliac region, it points to SI joint pathology—such as SI joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis—since that area is being stressed and irritated during the maneuver.

If the pain were felt more in the groin or anterior hip region, it would suggest hip joint pathology rather than the SI joint. The knee ligaments tested by this movement are not the primary structures involved in this test, so ACL or MCL injuries would be less likely explanations for SI-area pain.