Which test is used to evaluate a meniscal tear?

The McMurray Sign is specifically designed to assess meniscal tears in the knee. During this test, the clinician will flex the knee and rotate the tibia while applying a varus or valgus stress. A click or pop felt during this maneuver, along with patient reports of pain, can indicate the presence of a meniscal tear.

This test is particularly useful because it targets the specific anatomy and functional mechanics of the meniscus, providing valuable information regarding the integrity of meniscal structures. The McMurray test is well-established in orthopedic assessments for detecting tears, making it a key tool in the evaluation of knee injuries.

Other tests like the Lachman test are used primarily to evaluate the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), while the posterior drawer sign assesses the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The abduction stress test is mainly performed to evaluate medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, thus highlighting the specific function of the McMurray Sign in relation to meniscal injuries.