Ballottement Test

Other Names

Ballottement Test (for Knee Effusion)

Demonstration of the Patella Ballottement Test

• Ballottable Patella Sign
• Ballottement Test
• Patellar Tap

---

Purpose

• Evaluate for a Knee Effusion

---

Description

• Patient supine with leg straight
• Examiner milks fluid from the suprapatellar pouch
• Examiner firmly grasps just above patella with one hand
• Examiner gently oscillates the patella, palpating for motion
• Pushing the patella posteriorly towards the femur
• Positive test
  • Increased motion or spongy joint feeling suggests joint effusion
• Always compare to contralateral leg

---

Pathology

• Evaluate for a Knee Effusion

---

Evidence

• Unknown

---

See Also

• Knee Pain Main
• Physical Exam Knee

---