Fulcrum Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 5
Fulcrum Test

What is the "Fulcrum Test" used for?

  • The fulcrum test is used to test for the presence of a stress fracture of the femoral shaft.

How to perform the "Fulcrum Test"?

  • The patient is positioned in sitting, with their knees bent over the edge of the bed and feet dangling.
  • The clinician positions his or her arm under the thigh to be tested and moves it proximal to distal, as gentle pressure is applied on the thigh with the clinician's hand.

What is the positive result?

  • A positive test is when the patient reports sharp pain or expresses apprehension when the fulcrum arm is placed under the fracture site.

Test Accuracy

  • No sensitivity or specificity numbers are available.

References

  • Johnson AW, Weiss CB, Wheeler DL: Stress fractures of the femoral shaft in athletes – more common than expected: A new clinical test. Am J Sports Med 22:248–256, 1994. Link
  • ResearchGate
  • Behrens, Steve & Deren, Matthew & Matson, Andrew & Fadale, Paul & Monchik, Keith. (2013). Stress Fractures of the Pelvis and Legs in Athletes A Review. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 5. 165-174. 10.1177/1941738112467423. Link