Brush Test

What is the "Brush Test" used for?

• Detecting minimal effusion in the knee joint.

How to perform the "Brush Test"?

• The patient lies supine. 
• The examiner uses one hand to “smooth out” the medial side of the knee from distal to proximal. 
• With the other hand the examiner presses the superior recess moving distally from a proximal and lateral position.

What is the positive result?

• Even with a mild joint effusion, a wave of fluid may be felt in the medial, distal part of the joint.