Bassets Sign

Other Names

• Bassset's Sign
• Passive extension – flexion sign
• Standing active quadriceps sign

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Purpose

Demonstration of Basset's sign

• Evaluate the patellar tendon as a cause of anterior knee pain

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Description

• The patient is supine
• Anterior knee is palpated to identify point of maximal tenderness along patella
  • Typically this is the inferior pole
• This is performed with the knee in extension at 0°
• The palpation is then repeated at 90°
• Positive test
  • Resolution of tenderness at 90° is suggestive of patellar tendonitis

Standing Version

• This test can be performed with the patient standing
• The same point of tenderness is palpated with the knee fully extended
• The patient then stands on the ipsilateral knee with 30° of flexion
• The area is then palpated again

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Pathology

• Patellar Tendonitis

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Physical Exam Knee
• Knee Pain (Main)

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