Year: 2025 | Month: December | Volume: 12 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 148-155
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20251216
Physical Examination and Special Test of the Pelvis: A Review Article
I Dewa Gede Indra Pratama Putra1, Cokorda Gde Oka Dharmayuda2
1Resident of Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University/Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
2Consultant of Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University/Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: I Dewa Gede Indra Pratama Putra
ABSTRACT
The pelvis is a central biomechanical and structural unit that plays a vital role in locomotion, load transmission, and stability of the human body. Accurate physical examination and special tests are essential components in the clinical evaluation of pelvic dysfunctions, injuries, and pain syndromes. This review outlines the fundamental aspects of pelvic physical examination, including inspection, palpation, assessment of range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength testing. Special tests such as FABER (Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation), FADIR (Flexion, Adduction, Internal Rotation), Thomas Test, Trendelenburg Test, and Straight Leg Raise (SLR) are detailed, highlighting their diagnostic value in identifying conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), sacroiliac joint dysfunction, hip flexor contracture, gluteal weakness, and radicular pain, respectively. Additionally, key neurovascular structures relevant to the pelvis, including the femoral, obturator, sciatic, and gluteal nerves, as well as associated arterial branches, are discussed due to their clinical importance in diagnosis and intervention. Understanding and performing these examinations with precision is crucial for early diagnosis, appropriate management, and improved functional outcomes in patients presenting with pelvic complaints.
Keywords: pelvis, physical examination, special tests, FABER, FADIR, Trendelenburg, Thomas Test, sacroiliac joint, femoroacetabular impingement, neurovascular structures
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