Ballottement -

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

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 ballottement

Performed by applying a sharp tap to the abdominal wall to feel the fetus move away and return. 3. Abdominal Ballottement The patella is already in contact with the

(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) Obstetric Ballottement Performed by applying a sharp tap

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.

In pregnancy, ballottement is a "probable sign" used to detect the fetus as it floats in amniotic fluid.