American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What symptom is indicative of sacroiliitis?

1. Pain that worsens with standing

2. Tenderness to palpation of the posterior knee

3. Pain reproduced with the FABER test

4. Difficulty walking on tiptoe

The correct answer is: Pain reproduced with the FABER test

The symptom that indicates sacroiliitis is pain reproduced with the FABER test. The FABER test, which stands for Flexion, ABduction, and External Rotation, is specifically designed to assess the sacroiliac joint and surrounding structures. During this test, if pain is elicited, it suggests that there may be inflammation or irritation in the sacroiliac joint, which is characteristic of sacroiliitis. This condition can manifest as pain in the lower back and buttock, often worsened by certain movements or positions. In the context of sacroiliitis, the functional assessment provided by the FABER test helps to localize the source of pain to the sacroiliac joint. Recognizing that pain worsen with certain movements can aid clinicians in diagnosing the condition effectively. Thus, the positive response to the FABER test is a key indicator of sacroiliitis and plays a crucial role in differentiating it from other potential causes of low back pain.