Glossary
McMurray test
Quick answer
The McMurray test looks for a meniscus tear by bending the knee fully, rotating the foot and then straightening the leg, so that a torn piece of cartilage is caught between the bones. A click or pain along the joint line suggests a tear, explains Doha knee surgeon Dr. Pablo Gelber at Aman Hospital.
What the test feels like
You lie on your back. The surgeon holds your heel and bends the knee as far as is comfortable, places fingers along the joint line, then twists the foot outwards or inwards while slowly straightening the knee.
If a meniscus is torn you may feel a sudden click, catch or a sharp, familiar pain on the inner or outer side of the knee. Many patients say it is the same pain they get when they twist or squat. Tell the surgeon if it hurts; the test is stopped straight away.
What it tells the surgeon
Turning the foot outwards tests the inner (medial) meniscus, and turning it inwards tests the outer (lateral) meniscus. A palpable clunk along the joint line is a strong sign; pain alone is less specific because cartilage wear and kneecap problems can also hurt when the knee bends deeply.
The McMurray test is most useful combined with joint line tenderness, the Thessaly test and the patient's story of twisting, locking or catching.
After the examination
An MRI usually confirms the tear and shows its shape, which helps decide between physiotherapy, repair or trimming. In older knees, a positive test may reflect a wear-related tear alongside arthritis, and treatment often starts without surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Can the McMurray test damage my meniscus?
No. It is a controlled movement and is stopped if it is painful. It reproduces a catch that is already there rather than creating a new tear.
Why does the test hurt when my MRI is normal?
Deep bending can also stress the kneecap joint, worn cartilage or an inflamed lining. The surgeon interprets the test together with your other findings.
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