The McMurray test is used to evaluate for which knee pathology?

The McMurray test is used to evaluate for which knee pathology?

• A. ACL tears
• B. Meniscus tears
• C. Plica syndrome
• D. Tendonitis

Answer: (B)

The main concept is that the McMurray test checks for meniscal tears by loading and twisting the knee to trap torn meniscal tissue between the femur and tibia during flexion and extension. When a meniscal tear is present, this maneuver often reproduces joint line pain and may produce a palpable or audible click as the torn edge is displaced, making the test positive for meniscal pathology. The other knee problems listed are not primarily diagnosed with this maneuver: ACL tears are evaluated with tests that stress anterior tibial translation and rotation (like Lachman or pivot-shift), plica syndrome involves impingement/snapping that isn’t specifically elicited by this twisting-extension move, and tendonitis shows focal tenderness and pain with movement rather than a mechanical click or tear sign.

The main concept is that the McMurray test checks for meniscal tears by loading and twisting the knee to trap torn meniscal tissue between the femur and tibia during flexion and extension. When a meniscal tear is present, this maneuver often reproduces joint line pain and may produce a palpable or audible click as the torn edge is displaced, making the test positive for meniscal pathology. The other knee problems listed are not primarily diagnosed with this maneuver: ACL tears are evaluated with tests that stress anterior tibial translation and rotation (like Lachman or pivot-shift), plica syndrome involves impingement/snapping that isn’t specifically elicited by this twisting-extension move, and tendonitis shows focal tenderness and pain with movement rather than a mechanical click or tear sign.