patellar apprehension test

Indications

• evaluation of patellar instability
  • patellar dislocation
  • patellar subluxation

Clinical manifestations

• pain & defensive muscle contraction of lateral patellar dislocation with knee 20-30 degrees in flexion
• test maybe so positive that patient pulls leg back or grabs therapist's arm when the therapist approaches knee with his/her hand, preventing any contact

* positive test indicates lateral patellar instability

More general terms

• physical examination of the knee
• apprehension test