McMurray test helps diagnose which pathology?

• A. ACL tear
• B. Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• C. Meniscal tear
• D. Hip joint pathology

Answer: (C)

McMurray test targets the knee menisci. By moving the knee through flexion and extension while rotating the tibia and applying a knee joint compression/traction, a torn edge of the meniscus can catch between the femur and tibia, producing a feel or sound of a click and often pain along the joint line. That specific meniscal snapping or pain is what signals a meniscal tear, making this test the best choice for diagnosing meniscal pathology. ACL tears are typically identified with tests that stress the cruciate ligaments (like Lachman or pivot-shift), patellofemoral pain is evaluated with tests of patellar tracking and contact, and hip joint pathology requires hip-focused provocative maneuvers.