Patellar Ballottement Test for Knee Effusion on Physical Examination



With the patient supine, the leg can be fully extended to better assess for joint effusion.

Compress the suprapatellar pouch, pushing the contents distally, and assess for increased fluid.

Patellar Ballottement can also be performed by compressing the patella and releasing quickly. Observe for rapid rebound, which also indicates increased fluid pressure. If a quicker tap is felt, a larger effusion is present, also called a ballotable patella.



Video via @open_michigan



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