During the McMurray test, pain or a click with varus stress and internal rotation suggests tear of which meniscus?

• A. Lateral meniscus tear
• B. Medial meniscus tear
• C. ACL tear
• D. MCL tear

Answer: (A)

During the McMurray test, rotating the tibia and applying varus or valgus stress while the knee moves through flexion and extension stresses the menisci differently. When the tibia is rotated internally and varus stress is applied, the lateral meniscus is loaded between the femoral and tibial surfaces. If there is a tear, the torn edge can snap or cause pain as it catches, producing a click and pain. This pattern specifically points to a lateral meniscal tear. In contrast, external rotation with valgus stress would stress the medial meniscus and produce a similar sign if it were torn. Tears of the ACL or MCL cause instability or laxity with specific tests rather than the mechanical click on this maneuver.