Which maneuver, besides McMurray, can aid in diagnosing a meniscal tear?

Which maneuver, besides McMurray, can aid in diagnosing a meniscal tear?

• A. Apley compression test
• B. Thessaly test
• C. Lachman test
• D. McMurray test

Answer: (B)

The key idea is using a dynamic, weight-bearing maneuver that specifically stresses the meniscus to reproduce symptoms. The Thessaly test does this by having the patient stand on one leg and slowly rotate the knee while it’s flexed at about 5 degrees and then at 20 degrees. If there’s a meniscal tear, the twisting under load often causes joint-line pain, a sense of catching, or locking. It’s a quick, simple way to assess meniscal integrity in a clinic setting. Other maneuvers can test meniscal pathology too, but they’re less direct or not focused on the meniscus. The Apley compression test also targets the meniscus but is performed with the patient lying face down and can be less specific. The Lachman test evaluates the anterior cruciate ligament rather than the meniscus, and McMurray is the classic test already noted. Thus, the Thessaly test stands out as the best additional maneuver for diagnosing a meniscal tear.

The key idea is using a dynamic, weight-bearing maneuver that specifically stresses the meniscus to reproduce symptoms. The Thessaly test does this by having the patient stand on one leg and slowly rotate the knee while it’s flexed at about 5 degrees and then at 20 degrees. If there’s a meniscal tear, the twisting under load often causes joint-line pain, a sense of catching, or locking. It’s a quick, simple way to assess meniscal integrity in a clinic setting.

Other maneuvers can test meniscal pathology too, but they’re less direct or not focused on the meniscus. The Apley compression test also targets the meniscus but is performed with the patient lying face down and can be less specific. The Lachman test evaluates the anterior cruciate ligament rather than the meniscus, and McMurray is the classic test already noted. Thus, the Thessaly test stands out as the best additional maneuver for diagnosing a meniscal tear.