Ballottement Test

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Demonstration of the Patella Ballottement Test

• Ballottable Patella Sign
• Ballottement Test
• Patellar Tap
• Patellar Ballottement Test
• Patellar Tap Test
• Knee Ballottement Test
• Fluid Wave Test
• Joint Effusion Test
• Patellar Bounce Test

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Purpose

• Evaluate for a Knee Effusion

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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

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Pathology

• Evaluate for a Knee Effusion

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Knee Pain Main
• Physical Exam Knee

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