Which test is used to evaluate the meniscal pathology by moving the knee through flexion with tibial rotation and palpating the joint line?

Which test is used to evaluate the meniscal pathology by moving the knee through flexion with tibial rotation and palpating the joint line?

• A. McMurray's test
• B. Valgus stress test
• C. Posterior drawer test
• D. Varus stress test

Answer: (A)

The test described is used to detect meniscal tears by placing stress on the knee’s menisci while moving the knee through flexion and extension and feeling along the joint line. As the knee is flexed and the tibia is rotated, the torn meniscal tissue can trap or snap between the articular surfaces, producing a click or pain along the joint line. Specifically, to test for a medial meniscal tear you would externally rotate the tibia and extend the knee, while for a lateral meniscal tear you would internally rotate the tibia. A positive sign is a palpable or audible click or reproduced joint-line pain. The other tests target ligaments rather than the menisci: a valgus stress test stresses the medial collateral ligament, a varus stress test stresses the lateral collateral ligament, and the posterior drawer test assesses the posterior cruciate ligament and posterior knee stability.

The test described is used to detect meniscal tears by placing stress on the knee’s menisci while moving the knee through flexion and extension and feeling along the joint line. As the knee is flexed and the tibia is rotated, the torn meniscal tissue can trap or snap between the articular surfaces, producing a click or pain along the joint line. Specifically, to test for a medial meniscal tear you would externally rotate the tibia and extend the knee, while for a lateral meniscal tear you would internally rotate the tibia. A positive sign is a palpable or audible click or reproduced joint-line pain.

The other tests target ligaments rather than the menisci: a valgus stress test stresses the medial collateral ligament, a varus stress test stresses the lateral collateral ligament, and the posterior drawer test assesses the posterior cruciate ligament and posterior knee stability.