The hip quadrant test assesses hip joint mobility and therefore identifies potential issues with the hip joint and/or surrounding structures.
How to perform the test:
Lie the patient on their back on an examination table or mat, with both legs extended.
Next, flex the patient’s hip and knee to 90 degrees, bringing the thigh towards the chest. This position helps to isolate movement at the hip joint.
Then, rotate the patient’s leg internally and externally while maintaining the hip and knee in the flexed position. This rotation occurs within the available range of motion of the hip joint.
During internal and external rotation, observe the movement quality and quantity, noting any pain, discomfort, or restriction.
From the patient’s responses and observations, the examiner can infer the integrity of the hip joint, muscle tightness or weakness.
Repeat the test on the other hip for comparison, especially if you note asymmetry or abnormalities during the initial assessment.
Healthcare professionals like physiotherapists and orthopaedic specialists commonly use the hip quadrant test to evaluate hip function and diagnose conditions such as hip impingement and labral tears.
