McMurray’s test is used to assess for meniscal tears in the knee joint. It is named after Thomas Porter McMurray, an orthopaedic surgeon who described the test in the early 20th century.
The test involves a combination of knee flexion, rotation, and extension to elicit pain or clicking, which may indicate a tear in the meniscus, this cartilaginous structure provides cushioning and stability to the knee joint.
How McMurray’s test is typically performed:
Patient Positioning:
The patient lies supine (on their back) on an examination table with the legs extended.
Test Execution:
The examiner stands on the affected side of the patient’s knee being tested.
The examiner grasps the patient’s heel with one hand and places the other hand on the knee to provide stabilization.
The examiner flexes the patient’s knee fully while externally rotating the lower leg (turning the foot outward).
While maintaining the rotation, the examiner extends the knee slowly.
Interpretation:
A positive test result may be indicated by pain, clicking, or a palpable or audible sensation of catching within the knee joint during the manoeuvre.
The location of the pain or clicking can help localize the suspected site of meniscal injury (e.g., medial or lateral meniscus).
A positive McMurray’s test does not definitively diagnose a meniscal tear but suggests the possibility, which may warrant further investigation with imaging studies such as MRI.
Regarding the reliability of McMurray’s test, its accuracy can vary depending on factors such as examiner experience, patient positioning, and the presence of concurrent knee pathologies. Some studies have reported mixed findings regarding its sensitivity and specificity. While McMurray’s test can be a useful component of the clinical examination for suspected meniscal injuries, it is often used in combination with other tests and imaging studies for a comprehensive assessment.
Overall, while McMurray’s test can provide valuable diagnostic information, it should be interpreted cautiously and within the context of the patient’s clinical presentation and other examination findings.
