Knee
Other Tests
Evidence: suggestive
Indentation Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Differentiating Synovial Thickening from Joint Effusion.
How to Perform
- Action: Patient lies supine. Examiner presses a thumb into the soft tissue next to the patella.
- Observation: Watch how quickly the indentation disappears.
Interpretation of Results
- Effusion: Indentation disappears instantly (fluid refalls).
- Synovial Thickening: Indentation remains or disappears slowly (pitting edema/thickening).
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.