Ballottement -

Use one hand to firmly stroke downward from the mid-thigh toward the kneecap. This "milks" fluid out of the suprapatellar pouch and into the space behind the patella.

The patella feels like it is "floating." You will feel it move through fluid, click against the femur, and then rebound or "ballotte" back toward your finger. ballottement

Suspected knee trauma, arthritis flare-up, or unexplained swelling. Technique: Use one hand to firmly stroke downward from

The patella is already in contact with the bone; there is no sensation of floating or clicking. in obstetrics to assess pregnancy

Performed by applying a sharp tap to the abdominal wall to feel the fetus move away and return. 3. Abdominal Ballottement

(from the French ballotter , meaning "to toss about") is a medical physical examination technique used to detect floating objects within a fluid-filled cavity. It is most commonly applied in orthopedics to check for knee swelling, in obstetrics to assess pregnancy, and in general medicine to evaluate abdominal organs. 1. Patellar Ballottement (Knee Effusion Test)

While maintaining pressure with the first hand, use the index finger of the other hand to sharply push the patella downward toward the femur (thigh bone). Findings: