A McMurray test with external rotation of the tibia suggests pathology in which meniscus?

A McMurray test with external rotation of the tibia suggests pathology in which meniscus?

• A. Both
• B. Medial
• C. Lateral
• D. None

Answer: (B)

The test uses a combination of knee movement and tibial rotation to stress the menisci and elicit symptoms if a meniscal tear is present. When the knee is moved from flexion toward extension while the tibia is rotated externally, the medial meniscus is pinched between the femur and tibia. The medial meniscus is comparatively less mobile because it is firmly attached to the joint capsule and the medial collateral ligament, so twisting the tibia externally during extension is more likely to trap or tear its torn edge, producing a papable or audible click and pain. That pattern is why external rotation of the tibia during this maneuver points to pathology in the medial meniscus. Internal rotation would stress the lateral meniscus instead.

The test uses a combination of knee movement and tibial rotation to stress the menisci and elicit symptoms if a meniscal tear is present. When the knee is moved from flexion toward extension while the tibia is rotated externally, the medial meniscus is pinched between the femur and tibia. The medial meniscus is comparatively less mobile because it is firmly attached to the joint capsule and the medial collateral ligament, so twisting the tibia externally during extension is more likely to trap or tear its torn edge, producing a papable or audible click and pain. That pattern is why external rotation of the tibia during this maneuver points to pathology in the medial meniscus. Internal rotation would stress the lateral meniscus instead.