McMurray Test: How to Check for Meniscal Tears

The McMurray Test is a widely used orthopedic special test for the knee. It is designed to identify tears in the medial or lateral meniscus by rotating the tibia and extending the knee to provoke symptoms.

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of the McMurray Test is to **test for** meniscal tears. It is designed to trap a torn meniscus between the femoral condyle and the tibial plateau, causing a palpable click or pain.

2. How to Perform

1. The patient is positioned in supine (lying on their back).
2. The examiner fully flexes the patient's hip and knee. One hand holds the heel, the other palpates the joint line.
3. To test the Medial Meniscus: The examiner externally rotates the tibia (foot points out) and applies a valgus force while slowly extending the knee.
4. To test the Lateral Meniscus: The examiner internally rotates the tibia (foot points in) and applies a varus force while slowly extending the knee.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive test (indicating a meniscal tear) is:

• A palpable or audible "click" or "pop" along the joint line.
• Reproduction of pain along the joint line.

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is when the knee moves smoothly through the range of motion without clicking, catching, or pain.