McMurray's test is most consistent with which knee pathology?

McMurray's test is most consistent with which knee pathology?

• A. Meniscal tear
• B. ACL tear
• C. MCL sprain
• D. Patellar dislocation

Answer: (A)

McMurray's test specifically stresses the menisci to detect tears. The maneuver twists the tibia while the knee is moved through flexion and extension in a way that a torn meniscal edge can catch between the femur and tibia, producing a catch, click, or joint-line pain. That is the hallmark of a meniscal tear, which is why this test is most consistent with that pathology. In contrast, an ACL tear is evaluated with tests like Lachman or pivot-shift and presents with instability rather than a joint-line click. A sprain of the MCL shows pain or instability with valgus stress, and a patellar dislocation presents with abnormal patellar tracking and apprehension rather than a meniscal-click sign.

McMurray's test specifically stresses the menisci to detect tears. The maneuver twists the tibia while the knee is moved through flexion and extension in a way that a torn meniscal edge can catch between the femur and tibia, producing a catch, click, or joint-line pain. That is the hallmark of a meniscal tear, which is why this test is most consistent with that pathology. In contrast, an ACL tear is evaluated with tests like Lachman or pivot-shift and presents with instability rather than a joint-line click. A sprain of the MCL shows pain or instability with valgus stress, and a patellar dislocation presents with abnormal patellar tracking and apprehension rather than a meniscal-click sign.