HIP SCOUR/QUADRANT TEST

TEST POSITIONING

The client lies supine.

The therapist stands on the involved side and passively flexes and adducts the client's hip.

The client's knee is also placed in full flexion.

ACTION

The therapist applies downward pressure along the shaft of the femur while simultaneously adducting and externally rotating the hip.

The therapist then adducts and internally rotates the hip while maintaining downward pressure.

This movement is repeated two to three times while the therapist notes any unusual movement (ie, catching, grinding) or client apprehension.

POSITIVE FINDING

Pain or apprehension is indicative of hip joint pathology, such as arthritis, osteochondral defects, avascular necrosis, or acetabular labrum defects.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/COMMENTS

This test is not very specific for identifying structural damage and should be used with caution to avoid causing further pain and/or tissue damage.

Imaging tests are helpful tools to use in follow-up of a positive hip scour test accompanied by unexplained hip joint and/or radiating leg pain.