McMurray's test

McMurray's test is a rotation test for demonstrating torn cartilage of the knee (meniscus). A tear in the meniscus may cause a pedunculated tag of the meniscus which may become jammed between the joint surfaces.

To perform the test, the knee is held by one hand which is placed along the joint line. the knee is then flexed to 90 degrees while the foot is held by the sole with the other hand. The ankle is internally rotated and the knee extended. This procedure is repeated with external rotation of the ankle and at varying degrees of knee flexion. A tag, caused by a tear will cause a palpable or even audible click on extension of the knee.

The other leg must also be checked for completeness because clicks can arise from normal tendon movement.

In a recent study, clinical test results were compared with arthroscopic and/or arthrotomy findings as reference. The clinical test had a sensitivity of 58.5%, a specificity of 93.4%, and the predictive value of a positive result was 82.6%. The test therefore seems to be of limited value in current clinical practice.