Knee Exam
 
 

Patellar Bulge Test

 
 
 
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Overview

  • The patellar bulge test is used to assess for an effusion of the knee joint, by attempting to move the fluid to one side of the knee.

    • How to Perform

    • Extend the knee joint. Milk the fluid from the lateral side of the knee, to the suprapatellar pouch, into the medial side of the knee. Gently press onto the fluid-filled medial side of the knee.

    • Abnormal If

    • The fullness migrates to the lateral side of the knee when the medial side is pressed.

    • Causes of Knee Effusion

    • Trauma - ligament tear, menisceal tear, intra-articular fracture, patellar dislocation
    • Arthritis - osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, IBD-related arthritis, gout, pseudogout
    • Infection - septic arthritis, tuberculosis, Lyme disease, syphilis
    • Blood - haemarthrosis
    • Malignancy - osteosarcoma
 
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