Ballottement
Suspected knee trauma, arthritis flare-up, or unexplained swelling. Technique:
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
In pregnancy, ballottement is a "probable sign" used to detect the fetus as it floats in amniotic fluid. Suspected knee trauma
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