Ballottement May 2026

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

This is the most frequent use of the term. It is used to identify a "floating" kneecap, which indicates a moderate-to-large accumulation of fluid (effusion) within the knee joint. ballottement

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: The patella is already in contact with the

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. While maintaining pressure with the first hand, use

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.