Meniscus Tear: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: A tear of the lateral or medial menisci of the knee joint, usually traumatic.

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The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Meniscus Tear are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Specific Findings

McMurray Test

52%

97%

Flex the hip and knee maximally. Apply a valgus (abduction) force to the knee while externally rotating the foot and passively extending the knee. An audible or palpable snap during extension suggests a tear of the medial meniscus. For the lateral meniscus, apply a varus (adduction) stress during internal rotation of the foot and passive extension of the knee.

Study: Ann Intern Med. 2003 Oct 7;139(7):575-88. PMID: 14530229

MRI

84%

85%

sensitivity lower for LM, specificity lower for MM

Study: Ann Intern Med. 2003 Oct 7;139(7):575-88. PMID: 14530229

Systematic review. Radiology 2003 PMID: 12601211

Poorly Diagnostic Findings

Joint Line Tenderness

76%

29%

Study: Ann Intern Med. 2003 Oct 7;139(7):575-88. PMID: 14530229