Execution
- 1Position the patient supine with the knee relaxed in extension or slight flexion.
- 2Gently translate the patella laterally.
- 3Observe the patient's facial expression and protective response.
- 4Ask whether the maneuver reproduces the feeling of patellar displacement.
- 5Compare with the opposite side and avoid forcing a painful dislocation.
Positive outcome
Guarding, apprehension, quadriceps contraction, or fear of dislocation during lateral patellar glide is positive. Pain alone is less specific than true apprehension. The test supports history of lateral patellar instability or dislocation.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmad et al. (2009) | NA | 39 | 86 | 2.8 | 0.71 |
CommentStatic patellar apprehension is common in patellar instability exams but is less accurate than the moving patellar apprehension test. Pain-only responses can reflect patellofemoral pain rather than instability. Interpret with dislocation history, apprehension, and tracking.
Moderate Clinical Value