floating patella

float·ing pa·tel·la

a patella elevated by the presence of a knee effusion.

floating patella

Etymology: AS, flotian + L, patella, small pan

a patella that has been forced away from the femoral condyle by an effusion into the knee joint.

bal·lot·able pa·tel·la

(bă-lot'ă-bĕl pă-tel'ă)

A condition in which the patella can be balloted because of an effusion of blood or fluid in the capsule of the knee joint.
Synonym(s): floating patella.

floating patella

A patella that rides up from the condyles owing to a large effusion in the knee.

Synonym: ballotable patella

See also: patella