The Value of Axial Loading Mc Murray Test in Diagnosis of Meniscal Tearing

The purpose of clinical examination is to make a correct diagnosis. There are several clinical tests with different diagnostic values for meniscus injuries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of modified "axial loading McMurray test". In a cross sectional diagnostic study 146 patients (120 male 26 female) with a mean age of 35 years who had clinical symptoms of knee meniscus injury and were candidates for arthroscopic evaluation entered the study in a teaching hospital in Guilan-Iran. "Axial loading Mc Murray – ALMM" test was performed in all the cases just before doing arthroscopic evaluation of the knees. The accuracy sensitivity specificity positive and negative predictive values of the ALMM in relation to the later arthroscopic findings were analyzed. From the 146 patients 92 had evidence of meniscus tear on ALMM testing. The arthroscopy was however positive in 82 patients. In the remaining 54 cases with negative ALMM test 38 patients had meniscus tear at arthroscopy. 56% of tears were seen in medial meniscus 75% of which were in posterior horn. The ALMM test had 67.1% accuracy 68.3% sensitivity 61.5% specificity 89.1% predictive positive value and 29.6% negative predictive value. Positive "Axial loading Mc Murray" for knee meniscus injury is expected to show meniscal tear in 89% of cases.