McMurray Test | Meniscus Damage

Summary

This video tutorial introduces the McMurray Test for diagnosing meniscal damage, a procedure with a reported 63% accuracy rate according to Blyth et al.'s 2015 research. The test involves positioning the patient supine with the knee fully flexed, then rotating and extending the knee to assess the lateral meniscus. For the medial meniscus, the tibia is laterally rotated. The test is positive if it elicits clicking, locking, or pain. The video also suggests watching Apley’s and Thessaly Tests for a comprehensive assessment of meniscal damage.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The McMurray Test is used to diagnose meniscal damage in the knee.
• 🔍 A 2015 study by Blyth et al. found the test's diagnostic accuracy to be 63%.
• 🧍‍♂️ The test is conducted with the patient in a supine position with the tested knee fully flexed.
• 🔄 To test the lateral meniscus, the tibia is medially rotated and the knee is brought into extension.
• 🔄 To test the medial meniscus, the knee is fully flexed and the tibia is laterally rotated.
• 🔁 The test should be repeated with different angles of knee flexion to assess the entire posterior aspect of the meniscus.
• 🤕 A positive test result is indicated by clicking, locking, or pain in the knee.
• ⚠️ The McMurray Test is less effective for assessing the anterior half of the meniscus due to lower pressure.
• 🔗 Other tests for meniscal damage include Apley’s Test and Thessaly Test, which are also mentioned in the video.
• 👨‍🏫 The video is presented by Kai from PhysioTutors, providing educational content for physical therapy.

Q & A

What is the McMurray Test used for?

The McMurray Test is used to assess meniscal damage in the knee.

What was the diagnostic accuracy of the McMurray Test according to Blyth et al.'s 2015 research?

The diagnostic accuracy of the McMurray Test was found to be as low as 63%, meaning only 63% of patients were correctly diagnosed by musculoskeletal clinicians.

How should the patient be positioned for the McMurray Test?

The patient should be in a supine laying position with the tested knee fully flexed.

What is the procedure for testing the lateral meniscus using the McMurray Test?

To test the lateral meniscus, rotate the tibia medially and bring the knee into extension, repeating this process with different angles of knee flexion to test the whole posterior aspect.

How do you test the medial meniscus with the McMurray Test?

To test the medial meniscus, bring the knee into full flexion and laterally rotate the tibia.

Why is the McMurray Test less effective for testing the anterior half of the meniscus?

The McMurray Test is less effective for the anterior half of the meniscus because the pressure on the meniscus is not as high in this region.

What are the indications of a positive McMurray Test?

A positive McMurray Test is indicated by the patient experiencing clicking, locking, or pain in the knee.

What other tests are recommended to assess meniscal damage besides the McMurray Test?

Apley’s Test and the Thessaly Test are also recommended to assess meniscal damage.

Who is the presenter of the video on the McMurray Test?

The presenter of the video is Kai from PhysioTutors.

What are some limitations of the McMurray Test as mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that the McMurray Test has a relatively low diagnostic accuracy and is less effective for testing the anterior half of the meniscus.

What is the significance of testing different angles of knee flexion during the McMurray Test?

Testing different angles of knee flexion allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the posterior aspect of the lateral meniscus, increasing the test's diagnostic utility.