Which test is performed in the prone position to assess rectus femoris contracture?

• A. Thomas test
• B. Ober's test
• C. Ely's test
• D. Patrick's test

Answer: (C)

Rectus femoris tightness is tested with a maneuver that isolates its crossing of two joints by flexing the knee while the person is prone. In Ely’s test, the knee is passively flexed toward the buttock while the patient lies on the stomach. If the rectus femoris is shortened, pulling on it across the hip causes the hip to flex or the pelvis to lift off the table as the knee is bent. That movement indicates a positive sign for rectus femoris contracture, because the muscle’s tightness pulls the hip into flexion when the knee is flexed.

Ober’s test looks at iliotibial band and tensor fascia latae tightness, not rectus femoris. Patrick’s test assesses hip joint and sacroiliac pathology, and the Thomas test evaluates hip flexor tightness from a supine position. The prone knee-bend that produces hip flexion is specific for detecting a shortened rectus femoris.