Reviewing the Use of Physical Diagnostic Testing Methods and Detection of Meniscal Tears

UC Ballroom, Pod #2

REVIEWING THE USE OF PHYSICAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING METHODS AND DETECTION OF MENISCAL TEARS

Meniscal tears are the most common orthopedic pathology of the knee and the most common indication for knee surgery for the adult population. The meniscus is a cartilaginous structure in the knee joint that functions to absorb forces in the knee and provide stability, lubrication, and congruity to the joint. Physical diagnostic testing is used to confirm diagnosis in the clinical evaluation of this injury, but many of the known physical diagnostic tests have low sensitivity and specificity when performed alone. There is substantial need for reliable and accurate physical diagnostic testing for the clinical athletic trainer to use in diagnosing meniscal tears. This literature review examined the common physical diagnostic tests used by clinicians, including the Apley’s test, Thessaly test, McMurray’s test, and joint line tenderness and the effectiveness of the tests in accurately detecting meniscal tears. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios will be compared across physical diagnostic tests to make recommendations for the practicing clinician that can be used to diagnose meniscal tears in patients.