During McMurray’s test for a suspected medial meniscus tear, the knee is placed in which rotation with which stress, and a click at about 20 degrees indicates which horn tear?

During McMurray’s test for a suspected medial meniscus tear, the knee is placed in which rotation with which stress, and a click at about 20 degrees indicates which horn tear?

• A. Internal rotation, Varus stress, Posterior Horn Tear
• B. Internal rotation, Valgus stress, Anterior Horn Tear
• C. External rotation, Varus stress, Anterior Horn Tear
• D. External rotation, Valgus stress, Posterior Horn Tear

Answer: (D)

McMurray’s test relies on twisting the tibia and applying a collateral-stress load to trap a torn meniscus between the femur and tibia as the knee moves through flexion to extension. For a suspected medial meniscal tear, the maneuver uses external rotation of the tibia with a valgus stress while extending the knee. A click around 20 degrees of flexion points to a tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, because that portion is most likely to catch as the knee moves toward extension under the valgus load.

McMurray’s test relies on twisting the tibia and applying a collateral-stress load to trap a torn meniscus between the femur and tibia as the knee moves through flexion to extension. For a suspected medial meniscal tear, the maneuver uses external rotation of the tibia with a valgus stress while extending the knee. A click around 20 degrees of flexion points to a tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, because that portion is most likely to catch as the knee moves toward extension under the valgus load.