Test(s) for meniscus tear | Torn meniscus symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Test(s) for meniscus tear

In order to diagnose a meniscus tear and to assess the location and extent of the injury, various tests are used.In a physical examination, the knee joint is moved in different ways and the reaction of the patient is analyzed. For the analysis of a meniscus injury a number of different tests are known. Even slight pain when performing the tests is enough to be able to assess which type of injury is present.

Therefore there is no need to fear the development of great pain. The tests can be used to assess meniscus injury and should not be considered as a substitute for diagnostic imaging methods. In order to make an unambiguous diagnosis and to be able to assess the extent of the injury, diagnostic imaging methods are always used (see: MRI for a torn meniscus) and, if necessary, arthroscopy of the knee joint.

The so-called Steinmann test must be divided into a Steinmann sign I and a Steinmann sign II. In the Steinmann Sign I, the knee joint is rotated slightly inwards or outwards by turning the foot. Depending on which rotation causes pain, there is a probability of a torn inner or outer meniscus.

The Steinmann Sign II includes a knock pain test of the joint with the knee stretched and flexed. Depending on the points at which a headache can be triggered, the respective meniscus is likely to be injured. The so-called apley-grinding test is performed in the prone position.

The leg is bent and rotated inwards and outwards once while the examiner applies pressure. Depending on the occurrence of pain, the attending physician can make a statement about the presumably damaged meniscus. The Böhler test also allows an assessment of the localization of the injury.

In this test, the lower leg is moved inwards and outwards while the knee joint is stretched. During the McMurray test, the treating physician palpates the knee joint gap with one hand and slowly extends the leg with the other hand. By perceiving certain movements in the knee joint as well as the occurrence of special sounds, an injury to the respective meniscus can be assessed.

To assess an injury of the inner meniscus, the so-called Payr test is often used. Here, the affected person sits cross-legged while the doctor applies pressure to the knee joint from above. If pain occurs, the probability of damage to the inner meniscus is given.