Hip
Intra-Articular
Evidence: suggestive
McCarthy Sign Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Acetabular Labral Tears.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient lies supine with both hips flexed.
- Action: Examiner extends the affected hip, first in external rotation, then repeats in internal rotation.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Reproduction of groin pain or a mechanical 'catch'/'click'.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The McCarthy Sign should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Hip region, combining the McCarthy Sign with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
