Exam

Ober Test

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Ober Test, Ober's Test, Passive Hip Adduction

  • See Also
  1. Hip Exam
  2. Iliotibial Band Syndrome
  3. Noble's Test
  • Indication
  1. Iliotibial Band Syndrome Evaluation
  • Technique
  1. Patient lies on side, unaffected side down
  2. Examiner places one hand on ankle and the other on the lateral hip over the iliac crest
  3. Step 1: Tensor fasciae latae test
    1. With the hip and knee both extended, allow the hip to adduct toward the table with gravity
  4. Step 2: Gluteus medius test
    1. With the hip extended at 0 degrees, flex the knee to 45-90 degrees
  5. Step 3: Gluteus maximus test
    1. Patient rotates upper torso with both Shoulders against the exam table
    2. Flex the hip and allow the leg to fall over the side of the table
    3. Extend the leg at the knee
  • Interpretation
  1. Positive test if patient unable to undergo Passive Hip Adduction past the midline
  2. Causes
    1. External Snapping Hip
    2. Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
    3. Findings suggestive of IT Band Syndrome
      1. Difficult adduction of affected knee
      2. Lateral Knee Pain on attempted adduction
  • References
  1. Braly (2006) Clin Sports Med 199-210 [PubMed]
  2. Wilson (2014) Am Fam Physician 90(1): 27-34 [PubMed]