Which test is used to evaluate meniscal tears and how is it performed?

• A. McMurray Test: With the knee flexed, rotate the tibia and extend the knee while applying varus (lateral) or valgus (medial) stress; a click or reproduction of pain indicates tear.
• B. Thessaly Test: Weight-bearing knee flexed 5-20 degrees with rotation.
• C. Apley Compression Test: Prone position with compression and rotation.
• D. Bounce Home Test: Passive extension with knee in flexion.

Answer: (A)

Evaluating meniscal tears relies on stressing the meniscus to reveal its mechanical disruption. The maneuver that best demonstrates this is the McMurray test. In this test, the knee is moved through flexion while the tibia is rotated, and the knee is extended with either varus (to stress the lateral meniscus) or valgus (to stress the medial meniscus) force. If a click or a reproduction of joint-line pain occurs, it suggests a meniscal tear.

Context on the other options helps distinguish them: the Thessaly test uses a weight-bearing knee in slight flexion (about 5–20 degrees) with rotation to stress the meniscus. The Apley compression test is done with the patient prone, applying downward compression to the heel while rotating the tibia to pinch the menisci. The Bounce Home test involves passively extending the knee from a fully flexed position; a lack of full extension or a rubbery “bounce” can indicate a meniscal tear.