What is indicated if the leg fails to fall to the table during the Ober test?

• A. Tight IT band or tensor fascia latae
• B. Weak gluteus medius
• C. Hip dislocation
• D. Femoral fracture

Answer: (A)

The test is used to assess tightness of the iliotibial band and the tensor fasciae latae. In this maneuver, the leg is moved into hip extension and abduction and then released to fall toward the table. A normal leg will drop down with gravity, but if the leg fails to fall and stays abducted, it means the IT band or the tensor fasciae latae is tight and resists the adduction that would bring the leg down. This is why the finding points to a tight IT band or TFL.

Weak gluteus medius wouldn’t prevent the leg from dropping in this test; it mainly affects hip stability during gait rather than the passive adduction tested here. Hip dislocation or femoral fracture would present with significant pain and other signs, not a specific failure of the leg to drop in the Ober test.