What is the patellar tracking test and how is it performed?

• A. Apley grind test; with knee rotated and compressed.
• B. Patellar apprehension test; with knee extended or slightly flexed, laterally displace the patella; apprehension indicates instability.
• C. Valgus stress test; assesses MCL.
• D. McMurray test; reduces locking.

Answer: (B)

Patellar stability and tracking are being tested here. The patellar apprehension test checks whether the patella is prone to dislocating laterally. With the knee extended or only slightly flexed, the examiner gently displaces the patella toward the outside. If the patient shows clear apprehension, anxiety, or guards the knee—often with a facial grimace or attempts to contract the quadriceps—that reaction indicates patellar instability or laxity of the structures that keep the patella in place. A smooth, non‑painful patellar glide without any apprehension suggests stable patellar tracking.

This test specifically targets the patellofemoral joint, helping distinguish instability from other knee issues. For contrast, other tests assess different structures, such as the one that compresses and twists the knee to stress the menisci, the one that checks the medial collateral ligament under a valgus load, or the test that maneuvers the knee to reveal a meniscal tear.