In testing for meniscal pathology, which maneuver stresses the medial meniscus by externally rotating the tibia with the knee in extension and then flexion?

In testing for meniscal pathology, which maneuver stresses the medial meniscus by externally rotating the tibia with the knee in extension and then flexion?

• A. McMurray test for the medial meniscus
• B. Thessaly test
• C. Apley compression test
• D. Patellar grind test

Answer: (A)

Stressing a torn meniscus relies on loading and shearing the joint surfaces with a specific tibial rotation. For the medial meniscus, externally rotating the tibia places tension on the medial meniscal tissue. When you move the knee from extension into flexion while maintaining that external rotation, the posterior horn of the medial meniscus is loaded against the femur. If a tear is present, this loading often reproduces pain and may produce a distinct click or popping along the medial joint line. This pattern is characteristic of the McMurray test for the medial meniscus. Other tests use different mechanics and positions: the Thessaly test is a weight-bearing flexed-knee maneuver that stresses the menisci through rotation at various flexion angles; the Apley compression test uses knee flexion with axial load and rotation to provoke meniscal pain; the patellar grind test targets patellofemoral irritation rather than the menisci.

Stressing a torn meniscus relies on loading and shearing the joint surfaces with a specific tibial rotation. For the medial meniscus, externally rotating the tibia places tension on the medial meniscal tissue. When you move the knee from extension into flexion while maintaining that external rotation, the posterior horn of the medial meniscus is loaded against the femur. If a tear is present, this loading often reproduces pain and may produce a distinct click or popping along the medial joint line. This pattern is characteristic of the McMurray test for the medial meniscus.

Other tests use different mechanics and positions: the Thessaly test is a weight-bearing flexed-knee maneuver that stresses the menisci through rotation at various flexion angles; the Apley compression test uses knee flexion with axial load and rotation to provoke meniscal pain; the patellar grind test targets patellofemoral irritation rather than the menisci.