Sometimes, while we are playing, running, climbing stairs, or even walking normally, we may suddenly experience severe pain in our knee. Sometimes, we may even hear a 'click' sound. So, the cause of this knee pain may be damage to the part of your knee called the 'meniscus'. Today, we are going to talk about a simple test that a doctor uses to accurately diagnose this condition, without any special equipment.
What is this McMurray test?
Simply put, the McMurray test is a special physical test that a doctor does to check if the meniscus in your knee is torn, damaged, or otherwise damaged. It's something that can be done in the doctor's office. It doesn't require a separate day or a big machine.
During this test, the doctor will bend and twist your leg and knee in various ways. While doing so, he will pay close attention to whether you feel any pain, whether your knee makes a clicking sound, or whether it feels like it is stuck.
Usually, when you go to see a doctor with knee pain, the McMurray test is done as an initial test. However, this test alone is not enough to diagnose the disease. With the information obtained from this test, the doctor may also recommend that you have something like a scan if necessary.
When would I need a McMurray test?
If a doctor suspects that your `(Meniscus)` has been damaged, he will do this test. This `(Meniscus)` is a piece of rubbery cartilage inside our knee joint. To be precise, it is like a `shock absorber' between our thigh bone (`(Femur)`) and shin bone (`(Tibia)`). It is this that protects the joint from the pressure that occurs when we run and jump.
Imagine that you twisted your knee while playing cricket, suddenly turning to one side. Or you fell. This sudden, sharp movement can tear the meniscus.
There are some common symptoms of a meniscus tear. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Hearing a 'click' or 'pop' sound | Hearing or feeling a popping sound from inside the knee at the time of the injury. |
| Knee instability | Feeling like your knee is 'bending' or 'jumping' uncontrollably while standing or walking. |
| Pain and swelling | Increased pain and swelling of the knee, especially when bending and rotating the knee. |
| Knee stiffness | Feeling like your knee is stuck, unable to fully bend or straighten. |
If you have these symptoms, there's a good chance that when you see a doctor, they'll do the McMurray test.
How is this McMurray test done?
This is something that can be done in a few very simple steps. You won't have any difficulty.
1. First, you will be made to lie down on a bed. You will need to lie comfortably, with your arms facing upwards.
2. Next, the doctor will bend your knee to 90 degrees, just like your knee would be when you are sitting in a chair.
3. Now he will rotate your bent knee inward (towards the hip) and outward (away from the hip).
4. Finally, he slowly spreads your legs again.
While moving your leg in this way, the doctor will place his hand on top of your knee joint. If the meniscus is damaged, he will feel a 'clicking' or a feeling of tightness in the knee with these movements. He will also ask you if you feel any pain. It is very important to say exactly what you feel.
This test involves applying a little pressure to your meniscus to see if there is anything wrong with it. Don't worry, this won't cause any further damage to your knee.
What happens after the test?
The McMurray test is just the first step in the knee treatment journey. If the doctor feels or hears anything unusual during this test, he will tell you what to do next.
Often, you will need to have several more tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- X-ray test: Check for bone damage.
- MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the best way to clearly see damage to soft tissues like the meniscus and ligaments.
- An ultrasound scan.
Sometimes, a minor surgery called a knee arthroscopy can be done to look at or repair damage inside the knee. This involves inserting a small camera into the knee. This is a simple procedure that usually allows you to go home the same day.
When should I see a doctor?
If something like knee pain or swelling persists after a few days and worsens, be sure to see a doctor.
However, if you have any of the following severe symptoms, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Unbearable pain.
- A rapidly increasing swelling.
- Knee discoloration (blue, purple).
- Inability to move the knee at all or unable to move it normally.
Take-Home Message
- The McMurray test is a simple physical examination that a doctor performs when a meniscus injury in the knee is suspected.
- No special equipment is needed for this. It is important that you tell the doctor exactly what you feel (pain, 'click' sound) when he moves your leg.
- This is a completely safe test, but it is only the first step in diagnosis.
- If the examination suggests a meniscus injury, further tests, such as an MRI scan, will be needed to confirm it.
- If you have severe knee pain, swelling, or inability to move your knee, go to an emergency room (ETU) without delay.
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