College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which special test indicates positive results for hip crepitus?

1. Patellar tap test

2. Hip scour/Quadrant test

3. Thompson test

4. Anterior drawer test

The correct answer is: Hip scour/Quadrant test

The hip scour or quadrant test is specifically designed to assess the integrity of the hip joint and can indicate the presence of various hip conditions, including osteoarthritis or labral tears. During the test, the therapist moves the hip through a range of motion while applying compression, which can provoke crepitus — a grinding or popping sensation often associated with joint problems. A positive result, marked by the presence of crepitus during this test, suggests that there may be pathology present in the hip joint, such as irregularities on the cartilage surface or the presence of loose bodies. The other tests listed are focused on different joints or conditions: the patellar tap test targets the knee joint, primarily to assess for fluid accumulation; the Thompson test evaluates the integrity of the Achilles tendon; and the anterior drawer test examines the stability of the knee, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament. Thus, they are not applicable for detecting hip-specific issues like crepitus.