Understanding the Fulcrum Test Assessment
To screen for a **Stress Fracture of the Femoral Shaft**.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting at the edge of the table with the legs dangling.
What happens?
The examiner places their **forearm (fulcrum)** transversely under the patient's thigh and uses the other hand to apply a **gentle downward pressure** on the patient's knee.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Sharp **pain reproduced at the point where the forearm is acting as the fulcrum** (the stress fracture site).
Helpful Tip:
The test applies a bending moment to the femur, which is highly painful if a stress fracture is present.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Hip Tests
Craig's Test (or Ryder's Test)
To determine the approximate amount of **femoral anteversion** (or retroversion) and assess for abnormal hip rotation alignment.
Ely's Test (Prone Rectus Femoris Contracture Test)
To assess for **tightness or contracture of the Rectus Femoris** muscle (a hip flexor and knee extensor).
FADIR (Flexion, Adduction, Internal Rotation) Test
To provoke symptoms associated with **Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)**, particularly **Anterior/Pincer Impingement** or **Acetabular Labral Tears**.
Hip Quadrant Test (or Scour Test)
To assess the integrity of the **articular surfaces of the hip joint** (femoral head and acetabulum) and detect defects like osteochondral lesions or loose bodies.