American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

Which test is most commonly used to assess for meniscus tears?

1. McMurray test

2. Thessaly test

3. Apley test

4. Direct percussion test

The correct answer is: Thessaly test

The Thessaly test is widely recognized for assessing meniscus tears due to its effectiveness in detecting both medial and lateral meniscal damage. During this test, the patient stands on one leg and rotates their body, which loads the meniscus while simultaneously putting the knee in a valgus or varus position. This loading, along with the rotational movement, puts stress on the meniscus, reproducing pain or eliciting a clicking sensation if a tear is present. The Thessaly test is particularly useful because it can be performed with the patient bearing weight, providing a more functional and realistic assessment of knee stability and pain compared to other tests. Other tests, such as the McMurray test and Apley test, are also used to evaluate meniscus injuries but are not as frequently applied in clinical practice as the Thessaly test. The McMurray test involves passive movement of the knee while feeling for a click or pop, which can indicate a meniscal tear. Similarly, the Apley test applies compression and rotation to the knee to detect tears. However, the Thessaly test's emphasis on weight-bearing makes it a more practical and reliable choice in many clinical settings. The direct percussion test is typically used to evaluate fracture rather than meniscal injuries,