Patellar Apprehension Test | Patella Dislocation Assessment

Dislocations of the patella are a fairly common sight in sports and Kai can has experienced it himself during his active soccer career. While these are usually traumatic incidences, genetic predisposition can play a role as well. Factors that may influence the risk of dislocation are among others the sulcus angle and sulcus depth.

Nunes et al. (2013) conducted a scientific review and meta-analysis on clinical tests for the diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome which included the patellar apprehension test. Upon pooling the positive likelihood ratio for the patella apprehension test is reported at 1.3 and the negative likelihood ratio at 1.0 which is why we attribute a weak clinical value to this test.

To conduct the test, the patient lies supine with the knee flexed to 30°. The quads should be relaxed to allow passive movement of the patella.
With the thumb of both hands, press on the medial side of the patella to exert laterally directed pressure.

In a positive test, the patient may be surprised by the lateral displacement of the patella and feel uncomfortable or apprehensive as the patella reaches the point of maximal lateral displacement. The patient may even reach for your hands or attempt to straighten the knee to pull the patella back into a relatively normal position.

Another orthopedic test for patellar luxation / patellar instability is the moving patellar apprehension test.

Malanga GA, Andrus S, Nadler SF, McLean J. Physical examination of the knee: a review of the original test description and scientific validity of common orthopedic tests. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. 2003 Apr 1;84(4):592-603.

Nunes GS, Stapait EL, Kirsten MH, de Noronha M, Santos GM. Clinical test for diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2013 Feb 1;14(1):54-9.