The FAIR test is used to identify sciatic nerve irritation caused by the piriformis. FAIR stands for flexion, adduction, and internal rotation and is sometimes called the piriformis test.
How to Perform FAIR Test
Position of Patient: The patient should be positioned in side lying with the affected hip up and the hip and knees flexed to 90 degrees initially.
Performance: The examiner places one hand on the pelvis to stabilize. Perform the test by moving the supported leg into flexion, adduction, and internal rotation. Apply moderate over pressure to the top leg while stabilizing the pelvis with your opposite hand.
How to Interpret FAIR Test
Positive Finding: The test is considered positive if the patient complains of pain in the buttocks or experiences pain radiating down the back of the leg.
Test Accuracy / Reliability / Evidence:
Sensitivity: .88
Specificity: .83
+LR: 5.2
-LR: .14
Source: Fishman LM et al. Piriformis syndrome: diagnosis, treatment and outcome- a 10 year study Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2002;
