Ballottement test: Difference between revisions
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== Purpose == | == Purpose == | ||
The ballottement test also is known as the Patella tap test or the ballottement patella sign. ''Ballottement'' means “a tossing about.” and it was coined from a french word. The test is usually used to check for knee joint effusion. | The ballottement test also is known as the [[Patella]] tap test or the ballottement patella sign. ''Ballottement'' means “a tossing about.” and it was coined from a french word. The test is usually used to check for [[Knee|knee joint]] effusion. | ||
== Technique == | == Technique == | ||
To start the test, the patient/client lies supine on an examination table. The therapist uses the non- | To start the test, the patient/client lies supine on an examination table. The therapist uses the non-dominant hand to apply a series of downwards stroke from thigh to leg and then firmly grasps the upper part of the knee just above the patella. One finger or the thumb of the dominant hand is used to push the patella backwards against the [[femur]]. An increased patella waving motion or spongy joint feeling suggests the test is positive for joint effusion. Then the test is repeated on the contralateral joint for comparison. | ||
== Evidence == | == Evidence == | ||
Revision as of 19:27, 12 January 2020
Original Editor - Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka Top Contributors - Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka, Roselien Pas, George Prudden and Kim Jackson
Purpose[edit | edit source]
The ballottement test also is known as the Patella tap test or the ballottement patella sign. Ballottement means “a tossing about.” and it was coined from a french word. The test is usually used to check for knee joint effusion.
Technique[edit | edit source]
To start the test, the patient/client lies supine on an examination table. The therapist uses the non-dominant hand to apply a series of downwards stroke from thigh to leg and then firmly grasps the upper part of the knee just above the patella. One finger or the thumb of the dominant hand is used to push the patella backwards against the femur. An increased patella waving motion or spongy joint feeling suggests the test is positive for joint effusion. Then the test is repeated on the contralateral joint for comparison.
