Which maneuver helps diagnose a meniscal tear?

Which maneuver helps diagnose a meniscal tear?

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

Answer: (B)

Diagnosing a meniscal tear relies on a maneuver that directly stresses the torn edge of the meniscus as the knee moves, causing the torn fragment to catch between the femur and tibia. The McMurray test does this by flexing the knee, then rotating the tibia while extending the knee, using external rotation with valgus stress to test the medial meniscus or internal rotation with varus stress to test the lateral meniscus. A positive sign is a painful click or a palpable/ audible pop along the joint line, sometimes with locking, which is highly indicative of a meniscal tear. Other tests mainly assess other structures (like the ACL) or provide broader meniscal information with less specificity, so this maneuver is the best choice for diagnosing a meniscal tear.

Diagnosing a meniscal tear relies on a maneuver that directly stresses the torn edge of the meniscus as the knee moves, causing the torn fragment to catch between the femur and tibia. The McMurray test does this by flexing the knee, then rotating the tibia while extending the knee, using external rotation with valgus stress to test the medial meniscus or internal rotation with varus stress to test the lateral meniscus. A positive sign is a painful click or a palpable/ audible pop along the joint line, sometimes with locking, which is highly indicative of a meniscal tear. Other tests mainly assess other structures (like the ACL) or provide broader meniscal information with less specificity, so this maneuver is the best choice for diagnosing a meniscal tear.