FAIR test
Definition / Description
The FAIR test is a sensitive and specific test for piriformis syndrome. FAIR stands for flexion, adduction and internal rotation.
The patient is lying on the uninvolved side, with the affected side up hereby is the hip flexed to 60 degrees and the knee to 60 à 90 degrees. The examiner stabilizes the hip and applies downward pressure to the knee to internally rotate and adduct the hip,[1] [2]thus placing the piriformis on a stretch that compresses the sciatic nerve.
The FAIR test can be performed with the patient supine or seated, knee and hip flexed, and hip medially rotated, while the patient resists examiner attempts to externally rotate and abduct the hip.
The FAIR test result is positive if sciatic symptoms are recreated. [3][4][5][6][7]
The FAIR test correlates well with a working definition of piriformis syndrome and is a better predictor of successful physical therapy and surgery than the working definition. [7]
The FAIR test, coupled with injection and physical therapy and/or surgery, appears to be effective means to diagnose and treat piriformis syndrome. [7]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Kirschner JS, Foye PM, Cole JL. Piriformis syndrome, diagnosis and treatment. Muscle Nerve Jul 2009 ; 40(1) : 10-18
- ↑ Lori A, Boyajian- O’ Neill et al. Diagnosis and Management of Piriformis syndrome : an osteopathic approach. The journal of the American and osteopathic association Nov 2008; 108(11): 657-664.
- ↑ Pace JB, Nagle D. Piriformis syndrome. West J Med. 1976; 124: 435-439.
- ↑ Foster MR. Piriformis syndrome. Orthopedics. 2002; 25: 821-825
- ↑ Benzon HT, Katz JA, Benzon HA, Iqbal MS. Piriformis syndrome: anatomic considerations, a new injection technique and a review of the literature. Anesthesiology. 2003; 98: 1442-1448.
- ↑ Magee DJ. Orthopedic physical assessment. 3rd ed. Philadelphia. Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1997
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Fishman LM, Dombi GW, Michaelsen C, Ringel S, Rozbruch J, Rosner B, et al. Piriformis syndrome: diagnosis, treatment and outcome- a 10 year study (review) Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2002; 83: 295-301.
