What clinical sign suggests possible meniscal injury during a physical exam?

• A. The presence of swelling over the lateral aspect of the knee
• B. Positive McMurray's test results
• C. Increased flexibility in the knee joint
• D. Dislocation of the patella during active movement

Answer: (B)

A positive McMurray's test is a key clinical sign that suggests a meniscal injury in the knee. This test specifically assesses the integrity of the meniscus by placing stress on it while the knee is flexed and then extended. If a click, pop, or symptom of pain is elicited during this maneuver, it indicates that there may be a tear in the meniscus. The test involves rotating the tibia while it is flexed, which can bring out the symptoms associated with a meniscal tear when the torn portion becomes trapped in the joint.

The other options, while they may indicate different issues related to knee injury or pathology, do not specifically point to a meniscal injury. Swelling over the lateral aspect of the knee could indicate a variety of problems including ligament injuries or bursitis. Increased flexibility in the knee joint may suggest other conditions but does not provide clear evidence of a meniscal tear. Lastly, dislocation of the patella typically indicates patellar instability rather than issues with the menisci. Therefore, the positive McMurray's test specifically targets the diagnosis of meniscal injuries effectively.