Ballottement -

In pregnancy, ballottement is a "probable sign" used to detect the fetus as it floats in amniotic fluid.

The clinician inserts two fingers into the vagina and gives a sharp upward tap against the lower segment of the uterus. If the fetus is present and not yet engaged in the pelvis, it will float upward and then fall back, tapping against the clinician’s fingers.

The patient lies flat (supine) with the leg fully extended and relaxed. ballottement

This is the most frequent use of the term. It is used to identify a "floating" kneecap, which indicates a moderate-to-large accumulation of fluid (effusion) within the knee joint.

(from the French ballotter , meaning "to toss about") is a medical physical examination technique used to detect floating objects within a fluid-filled cavity. It is most commonly applied in orthopedics to check for knee swelling, in obstetrics to assess pregnancy, and in general medicine to evaluate abdominal organs. 1. Patellar Ballottement (Knee Effusion Test) In pregnancy, ballottement is a "probable sign" used

This test is highly specific for large effusions but may miss smaller amounts of fluid, which are better detected using the Bulge Sign . 2. Obstetric Ballottement

While maintaining pressure with the first hand, use the index finger of the other hand to sharply push the patella downward toward the femur (thigh bone). Findings: The patient lies flat (supine) with the leg

Performed by applying a sharp tap to the abdominal wall to feel the fetus move away and return. 3. Abdominal Ballottement