Exam

Patellar Apprehension Test

search

Patellar Apprehension Test

  • Indications
  1. Evaluation of Patellofemoral Syndrome
  2. Evaluation for Patella subluxation
  3. Evaluation for Patella dislocation
  • Technique
  1. Patient lies supine
    1. Knee flexed to 30 degrees or
    2. Knee in full extension
  2. Examiner applies pressure from medial Patella
    1. Patella forced laterally by medial pressure
  3. Patient tightens quadriceps Muscle
    1. Positive test is painful
    2. Patient may refuse to do this in anticipation of pain
  4. Images
    1. orthoKneePatellarApprehension.jpg
  • Interpretation
  • Positive Test if painful
  1. Patellofemoral Syndrome
  2. Lateral patellofemoral instability
  3. Patellar Subluxation (recent acute Knee Injury)