Test library › Hip, groin & thigh
Thomas test
For: Labral tear, scored as a click or pain on lowering (off-label use)
A tear of the labrum, the rim of cartilage around the hip socket. Here the test is scored by a click or pain as the leg is lowered, which is not its usual use.
A weak test on its ownWhat the numbers mean
- Positive result: barely informative: a positive result changes little.
- Negative result: barely informative: a negative result changes little.
Source
Dhillon J, Hernandez EJ, Keeter C, Kraeutler MJ. Sensitivity and Specificity for Physical Examination Tests in Diagnosing Prearthritic Intra-Articular Hip Pathology Are Highly Variable: A Systematic Review. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2025;7(3):101117. Journal article (DOI) · Single study (2003), in a 2025 review
Figures as they will appear in Rule It In, Rule It Out (Trokos, forthcoming). If a newer or better study changes them, this page changes with the book. Figures last updated from the book on 2 October 2026.
Get the book for telling the hip joint from the lateral hip, and ruling out the runner's stress fracture first
This page gives the published figures. Rule It In, Rule It Out adds how to do this test, what counts as positive, how to read the result, and, where studied, whether combining it with other tests helps.
Coming in late 2026 as a PDF and a paperback. Join the list to hear when it's out
One study, one test, once a month
Rule It In is a free evidence letter for musculoskeletal clinicians: one recent study explained, one examination test with its real numbers. From Trokos, publisher of Rule It In, Rule It Out.