Lateral McMurray’s Test for Lateral Meniscus Tears: How to Perform and Interpret It

Published August 12, 2026 Read time 4 min read Readers 42
Lateral McMurray’s Test

What Is the Lateral McMurray’s Test Used For?

The lateral McMurray’s test is a clinical orthopedic examination used to check for injury to the lateral meniscus of the knee. The menisci are two C-shaped cartilage pads that absorb shock and stabilize the joint. When the lateral meniscus is torn, patients often report lateral joint line pain, clicking, catching, locking, or a feeling that the knee gives way.

The test is quick, needs no equipment, and is often used alongside other meniscal tests, joint line palpation, and imaging such as MRI to build a fuller clinical picture.

How to Perform the Lateral McMurray’s Test

Follow these steps to assess the lateral meniscus:

  1. Position the patient supine (lying on their back) with the affected hip and knee flexed.
  2. Place one hand on the knee. Cup the knee with the palm over the patella and the fingers and thumb along the joint line, so you can feel any click or catch.
  3. Grasp the heel with your other hand.
  4. Slowly extend the knee while applying internal rotation of the tibia. This movement loads the lateral meniscus.

Perform the movement slowly and smoothly, and stop if the patient has significant pain.

What Is a Positive Result?

A positive test produces a click or catch as the knee extends, felt through the hand on the joint line. This suggests a possible lateral meniscus tear.

A negative test does not completely rule out a meniscal tear. Many tears, especially smaller or peripheral ones, do not produce a palpable click, so the result should always be interpreted alongside the patient’s history and other findings.

How Accurate Is the Lateral McMurray’s Test?

According to the clinical references used for this article, the test has:

  • Sensitivity: 54%, meaning it correctly identifies about half of the patients who have a meniscal tear.
  • Specificity: 79%, meaning it correctly identifies most patients who do not have a tear.

This pattern is consistent with published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of meniscal tests indexed on PubMed, such as Hegedus et al. (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2007) and Meserve et al. (Clinical Rehabilitation, 2008). These reviews generally describe McMurray’s test as moderately specific but only modestly sensitive. A positive result therefore carries more weight than a negative one. No single test should be used alone to confirm or exclude a tear.

Clinical Tips

  • Combine McMurray’s test with joint line tenderness, the Thessaly test, and the Apley compression test.
  • Compare with the uninjured knee to separate normal joint sounds from pathological clicks.
  • Consider MRI when symptoms persist, mechanical locking is present, or the diagnosis is unclear.
  • Interpret results in context, since age, activity level, and mechanism of injury all affect how likely a tear is.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the lateral McMurray’s test check for?
It checks for injury to the lateral meniscus of the knee.

What is the difference between the medial and lateral McMurray’s tests?
Both use the same flexion-to-extension movement, but the direction of tibial rotation differs so that stress is directed at the medial or lateral meniscus. This article covers the lateral version, using internal rotation of the tibia.

What counts as a positive McMurray’s test?
A click or catch felt during knee extension is considered positive.

Can a negative McMurray’s test rule out a meniscus tear?
No. With a sensitivity of around 54%, a negative test does not completely exclude a tear.

How accurate is the lateral McMurray’s test?
Its reported sensitivity is 54% and specificity is 79%, so it is better at supporting a diagnosis than excluding one.

Is the test painful?
It can cause discomfort if a tear or joint irritation is present. The movement should be slow and controlled, and stopped if pain is severe.

Is an MRI needed after a positive test?
Not always. Imaging is usually considered when symptoms persist, the knee locks, or the diagnosis is uncertain. A clinician makes this decision based on the full examination.

Who should perform this test?
Physicians, physical therapists, and other trained musculoskeletal clinicians. If you suspect a meniscus injury, see a qualified healthcare professional rather than self-testing.

References

  1. Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System, 3rd Edition.
  2. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention, 3rd Edition.
  3. Hegedus EJ, et al. Physical examination tests for assessing a torn meniscus in the knee: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007. (PubMed)
  4. Meserve BB, et al. A meta-analysis examining clinical test utility for assessing meniscal injury. Clin Rehabil. 2008. (PubMed)