Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Patellar-pubic Percussion Test

also known as Patellar-pubic percussion sign
🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient supine, place the diaphragm of a stethoscope on the pubic symphysis. Tap (percuss) one patella with your finger and listen to the transmitted sound, then percuss the other patella in the same way and compare the two sides. A positive sign is a duller or diminished sound on the tested (symptomatic) side compared with the opposite side.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Hip Fracture

Patellar-pubic percussion test positive
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Very helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Reiman MP, Goode AP, Hegedus EJ, Cook CE, Wright AA. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests of the hip: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2013 Sep;47(14):893-902. PMID 22773321; DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091035.
  • Peltier LF. The diagnosis of fractures of the hip and femur by auscultatory percussion. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1977;(123):9-11.

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hip Palpation
Rule in:IEGluteal Tendinopathy (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome), IEProximal Hamstring Tendinopathy, IEPubic-related Groin Pain
Rule out:IEGluteal Tendinopathy (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome), IEProximal Hamstring Tendinopathy, IEPubic-related Groin Pain
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hip Strength
Rule in:VHGluteal Tendinopathy (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome), IEAdductor-related Groin Pain, IEIdiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (Polymyositis or Dermatomyositis) +1 more
Rule out:HGluteal Tendinopathy (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome), IEAdductor-related Groin Pain, IEIdiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy (Polymyositis or Dermatomyositis) +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Trendelenburg Sign
Rule in:IEGluteal Tendinopathy (Gluteus Medius / Minimus Tendinopathy)
Rule out:IEGluteal Tendinopathy (Gluteus Medius / Minimus Tendinopathy)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hip Passive Range of Motion
Rule in:SHHip Osteoarthritis, IEHip Flexion Contracture (Fixed Flexion Deformity)
Rule out:SHHip Osteoarthritis, IEHip Flexion Contracture (Fixed Flexion Deformity)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Gait Assessment
Rule in:IEAcute Neurologic Event or Severe Pain, IEAlcohol-related Cerebellar Degeneration, IEBilateral Hip Arthritis or Disease +20 more
Rule out:IEAcute Neurologic Event or Severe Pain, IEAlcohol-related Cerebellar Degeneration, IEBilateral Hip Arthritis or Disease +20 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ankle Dorsiflexion-external Rotation Test
aka Kleiger test
Rule in:IEAnkle Syndesmosis Injury (High Ankle Sprain)
Rule out:IEAnkle Syndesmosis Injury (High Ankle Sprain)