Published July 2, 2026Read time 1 min readReaders 3
What is the "Dancing Patella Test" used for?
Detecting effusion in the knee
How to perform the "Dancing Patella Test"?
The patient is supine or standing.
With one hand, the examiner smoothes the suprapatellar pouch from proximal to distal while pressing the patella against the femur with the other hand or moving it medially and laterally with slight pressure.
What is the positive result?
Resilient resistance (a dancing patella) is abnormal and suggests effusion in the knee.
