Video – Patellar Apprehension Test

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Patellar Apprehension Test

The Patellar Apprehension test is used to detect the presence of excessive lateral displacement of the patella. This test is also called Fairbank’s test or Fairbank’s apprehension test.

To perform this test, the patient is in the supine position with the involved knee flexed to 30 degrees and supported by a pillow. Place your thumbs on the medial side of the patella and push it laterally.

This test is considered positive if the patient feels that the patella is dislocating and expresses apprehension or contracts the quadriceps to resist the displacement. The test is designed to identify recurrent dislocation of the patella or its tendency to dislocate due to a torn medial patellofemoral ligament.

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