Physical Exam

McMurray Sign

also known as McMurray test

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Video coming September 2026

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

Lateral Meniscus Tear

McMurray sign positive at the lateral joint line

Rule in

Somewhat helpfulDerived CI

Rule out

Somewhat helpfulDerived CI

Evidence:LimitedResearch in progress

Medial Meniscus Tear

McMurray sign positive at the medial joint line

Rule in

Somewhat helpfulDerived CI

Rule out

Somewhat helpfulDerived CI

Evidence:LimitedResearch in progress

References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

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.