Patellar Apprehension Test

Purpose:
To test whether the patella is likely to dislocate laterally

Procedure:

• Patient is supine with their affected knee extended
• Therapists uses a slow and moderate pressure against the medial aspect of the patella moving it in a lateral direction
• Therapist observes patient’s reaction

Positive Sign:
Patient expresses apprehension and/ or might try to move their affected knee away from the pressure.