Balloon Sign

Other Names

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• Balloon Sign
• Patellar Effusion Test
• Knee Effusion Test
• Bulge Sign
• Fluid Displacement Test
• Synovial Effusion Test
• Knee Swelling Test

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Purpose

• To determine the presence of a joint effusion in the knee

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Description

• The patient is supine
• With the knee extended, place the thumb and index finger of your right hand on each side of the
• patella
• Compress the suprapatellar pouch against the femur with the left hand
• Palpate for fluid ejected or “ballooning” into the spaces next to the patella under your right thumb and index finger
• Positive test
  • Positive fluid wave suggests joint effusion

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Pathology

• Joint Effusion of the Knee

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Knee Pain Main
• Physical Exam Knee
• Knee Anatomy Main

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