Which knee test is specifically used to assess meniscal pathology?

Which knee test is specifically used to assess meniscal pathology?

• A. Varus Stress Test of the Knee
• B. Wilson
• C. Patellar Ballottement Test
• D. McMurray Test

Answer: (D)

Testing for meniscal pathology relies on a maneuver that compresses and twists the knee to trap a torn meniscus between the femur and tibia. The McMurray test does this by flexing the knee, rotating the tibia, and extending the knee while guiding the meniscus with a combination of rotation and stress. If a tear is present, this often produces a click or pinpoint pain along the joint line, which is a strong indicator of a meniscal tear and helps localize whether it’s medial or lateral. In contrast, other common knee tests target different structures: a varus stress test checks the lateral collateral ligament and lateral joint stability, a patellar ballottement test assesses joint effusion, and the Wilson test looks for an osteochondral lesion of the medial femoral condyle. Because the McMurray maneuver specifically isolates and provokes meniscal tissue, it’s the best choice for identifying meniscal pathology.

Testing for meniscal pathology relies on a maneuver that compresses and twists the knee to trap a torn meniscus between the femur and tibia. The McMurray test does this by flexing the knee, rotating the tibia, and extending the knee while guiding the meniscus with a combination of rotation and stress. If a tear is present, this often produces a click or pinpoint pain along the joint line, which is a strong indicator of a meniscal tear and helps localize whether it’s medial or lateral.

In contrast, other common knee tests target different structures: a varus stress test checks the lateral collateral ligament and lateral joint stability, a patellar ballottement test assesses joint effusion, and the Wilson test looks for an osteochondral lesion of the medial femoral condyle. Because the McMurray maneuver specifically isolates and provokes meniscal tissue, it’s the best choice for identifying meniscal pathology.