What is the Thessaly test designed to assess?

What is the Thessaly test designed to assess?

• A. To assess ligament laxity.
• B. To measure knee range of motion.
• C. To assess meniscal tears using external load.
• D. To assess meniscal integrity under functional load.

Answer: (D)

The test is about detecting a torn meniscus under functional loading. It asks the patient to stand on one leg and rotate the knee while the knee is flexed at a couple of small angles, using the body’s own weight to apply compression and rotational stress to the meniscus. If this produces pain or a click along the joint line, it suggests a meniscal tear. Because the loading comes from the patient’s weight during a weight-bearing position, it reflects how the knee behaves under real, everyday activity. The other options don’t fit: ligament laxity is assessed with laxity-specific tests, knee range of motion is about how far the joint can move, and external load would mean an examiner applying force rather than the patient bearing weight.

The test is about detecting a torn meniscus under functional loading. It asks the patient to stand on one leg and rotate the knee while the knee is flexed at a couple of small angles, using the body’s own weight to apply compression and rotational stress to the meniscus. If this produces pain or a click along the joint line, it suggests a meniscal tear. Because the loading comes from the patient’s weight during a weight-bearing position, it reflects how the knee behaves under real, everyday activity. The other options don’t fit: ligament laxity is assessed with laxity-specific tests, knee range of motion is about how far the joint can move, and external load would mean an examiner applying force rather than the patient bearing weight.