Knee
Meniscus
Evidence: suggestive
McMurray’s Test (Lateral) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing tears of the Lateral Meniscus.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient supine. Flex the knee completely.
- Action: Internally rotate the tibia and apply a Varus stress.
- Movement: Extend the knee while maintaining rotation/stress.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: A palpable or audible “click/thud” over the lateral joint line.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 21-50%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The McMurray’s Test (Lateral) 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 Knee region, combining the McMurray’s Test (Lateral) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
