What is the McMurray test?

McMurray test is a procedure performed during physical examination of the knee joint. Two pieces of cartilage protect the knee joint; One or both of them can tear after a knee injury. The knee rotation during the McMurray test can help diagnose tear in cartilage. Each side of the knee joint has a piece of cartilage in the shape of a C -called meniscus that pillow and supports the knee. Heavy sports activity or sudden twist knee can lead to tears in any meniscus.

If one of the meniscus tears, the patient may experience pain and feel that the knee will retreat. During the physical test, the doctor will perform different tests, including the MCMURRAY test to see if damage is due. Named after the British orthopedic surgeon Thomas Porter McMurray, the McMurray test has been used since the mid -20s.

To diagnose a tear in internal or media meniscus, the doctor will have a patient lying on his back with his knees. Health professional puts one hand on the bottom of the foot of the affected leg and on the other side of the VNIts side of the knee. When the foot is expanded, the knee joint rotates outwards, from the patient. If the tear occurs, clicks or a feeling of cracking in the joint that can be felt and maybe heard.

The evaluation of the external or side meniscus is performed in a similar way, but with the doctor puts one hand on the leg and the other hand on the outside of the knee joint. The joint rotation would be done in the direction of the patient when the leg is prolonged. A significant pop in the joint would indicate a positive McMurray test.

patients who have a positive result during the McMurray test may have pain and swelling in the knee joint. For small tear, symptoms may disappear in a few weeks with rest and ice packages to control swelling. Patients with large tears may have more serious symptoms that do not disappear. These patients may need further testing and possible cartilage surgery.