OnExam
Bulge Sign
Assesses for small knee effusions.
Performing the Test
Patient supine, milk fluid into lateral compartment by stroking upwards on medial side of knee and then stroke downwards on lateral side of knee
Positive test: fluid wave returning to medial compartment
References
Bickley L. Bate’s Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 10th ed. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009.
Magee D. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 1st ed. Philadelphia:Saunders; 1986.