What does a positive Patella Apprehension Test indicate?

A positive Patella Apprehension Test is indicative of potential for patellar subluxation or dislocation. This test is performed to assess the stability of the patella and to determine whether a patient has apprehension or fear that the patella may dislocate or sublux during movement.

When the patella is gently pushed laterally (away from the midline of the knee), a patient with a history of patellar instability will often express fear or discomfort, which is the essence of the "apprehension" in the test. This reaction suggests that the anatomy or the supporting structures around the patella may not be functioning optimally, increasing the risk of displacement of the patella from its normal position. Thus, a positive result confirms the likelihood of ongoing instability issues, making it crucial for proper assessment and intervention for these patients.

In contrast, the other choices describe conditions or symptoms that are not specifically related to the Patella Apprehension Test. For instance, fear or hesitation to extend the knee could arise from various knee pathologies but is not the specific focus of this test. Pain during knee flexion could indicate different issues, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome or other knee pathologies, but again, it