Overview
This lecture explains the McMurray Test, a physical examination procedure used to diagnose meniscal damage in the knee, including how to perform it and interpret results.
McMurray Test Procedure
- Patient should be in the supine (lying on back) position with the tested knee fully flexed.
- To assess the lateral meniscus, rotate the tibia medially and extend the knee; repeat at different flexion angles to cover the entire posterior aspect.
- To assess the medial meniscus, flex the knee fully and rotate the tibia laterally.
- The anterior half of the meniscus is not easily evaluated with the McMurray Test due to lower meniscal pressure.
- The test is considered positive if the patient reports clicking, locking, or pain in the knee during the maneuver.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Research by Blyth et al. (2015) found the McMurray Test has a diagnostic accuracy of 63% among musculoskeletal clinicians.
Other Meniscal Tests
- The Apley’s Test and the Thessaly Test are additional assessments for meniscal damage.
Key Terms & Definitions
- McMurray Test — A clinical test used to detect meniscal tears in the knee by manipulating the flexed joint and rotating the tibia.
- Lateral meniscus — The outer cartilage cushion in the knee joint.
- Medial meniscus — The inner cartilage cushion in the knee joint.
- Positive test — Presence of clicking, locking, or pain in the knee during the test.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the Apley’s Test and Thessaly Test videos for further methods of meniscal assessment.