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.

(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: ballottement

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

In pregnancy, ballottement is a "probable sign" used to detect the fetus as it floats in amniotic fluid. Use one hand to firmly stroke downward from

This test is highly specific for large effusions but may miss smaller amounts of fluid, which are better detected using the Bulge Sign . 2. Obstetric Ballottement

The clinician inserts two fingers into the vagina and gives a sharp upward tap against the lower segment of the uterus. If the fetus is present and not yet engaged in the pelvis, it will float upward and then fall back, tapping against the clinician’s fingers. It is most commonly applied in orthopedics to

Suspected knee trauma, arthritis flare-up, or unexplained swelling. Technique: