Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

McMurray Sign

also known as McMurray test
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How to Perform

With the patient supine, fully flex the knee. To test the medial meniscus, grasp the ankle and externally rotate the tibia, then slowly extend the knee while palpating the medial joint line. A positive test is a palpable or audible click (often with pain). To test the lateral meniscus, internally rotate the tibia and extend the knee in the same way while palpating the lateral joint line.

How to Interpret

Showing all 2 findings

Lateral Meniscus Tear

McMurray sign positive at the lateral joint line
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulWide CI
Evidence:Moderate

Medial Meniscus Tear

McMurray sign positive at the medial joint line
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
HelpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming soon
Valgus Stress Test
Rule in:MHMedial Collateral Ligament Injury of the Knee, IEPosteromedial Corner Injury
Rule out:HMedial Collateral Ligament Injury of the Knee, IEPosteromedial Corner Injury
🎬Video coming soon
Varus Stress Test
Rule in:IELateral Collateral Ligament Injury of the Knee, IEPosterolateral Corner Injury
Rule out:IELateral Collateral Ligament Injury of the Knee, IEPosterolateral Corner Injury
🎬Video coming soon
Knee Active Range of Motion
Rule in:IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEKnee Effusion, IEKnee Fracture +2 more
Rule out:IEExtensor Mechanism Disruption, IEKnee Effusion, IEKnee Fracture +2 more
🎬Video coming soon
Knee Anterior Drawer
Rule in:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Rule out:VHAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
🎬Video coming soon
Knee Passive Range of Motion
Rule in:SHKnee Osteoarthritis, SHMeniscal Tear, IEKnee Effusion +2 more
Rule out:HKnee Osteoarthritis, MHMeniscal Tear, IEKnee Effusion +2 more
🎬Video coming soon
Knee Posterior Drawer
Rule in:VHPosterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Rule out:VHPosterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

Related Systems / Regions

KneeLower ExtremitiesMusculoskeletal

Related Diagnoses

Lateral Meniscus TearMedial Meniscus Tear

Related Chief Complaints

Difficulty WalkingInner Knee PainKnee ClickingKnee Giving WayKnee InjuryKnee InstabilityKnee LockingKnee PainKnee SwellingOuter Knee PainPain with Twisting

References

  • Rinonapoli G, Lucchetta L, Ancillai G, Manfreda F, Ceccarini P, Caraffa A. Clinical reliability of 6 meniscal tests: a diagnostic accuracy study of 255 patients. Acta Orthop. 2025;96:452-458. doi:10.2340/17453674.2025.43906. PMID 40557851. Open access (CC BY 4.0). Supplementary Tables 4-7 (publisher supplementary file, supplied by the owner 2026-09-18).
  • Shekarchi B, Panahi A, Raeissadat SA, Maleki N, Nayebabbas S, Farhadi P. Comparison of Thessaly Test with Joint Line Tenderness and McMurray Test in the Diagnosis of Meniscal Tears. Malays Orthop J. 2020 Jul;14(2):94-100. doi:10.5704/MOJ.2007.018. PMID 32983383. PMC7513660 (open access, CC BY).
  • McMurray TP. The semilunar cartilages. Br J Surg. 1942;29(116):407-414.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.