Clinical diagnosis of meniscal tear is frequently difficult even for an experienced surgeon, thus manv clini-cal tests and diagnostic studies have been developed. Although diagnostic accuracy is improving with the use of arthroscope and MRI, a
carefully
taken history and physical examination remain the standard methods for confirming a meniscal tear.
From June 1993 to Deeember 1995,80 knees of arthroscopically diagnosed meniscus tear were studied ret- rospectively on the basis of histories and physical examinations, especially knee joint effusion, joint line ten- derness, and McMurray test.
Statistical analysis of the data obtained from 80 knees revealed as follows.
1. The positive finding of joint line tenderness was in 61 cases (76.3%), knee joint effusion was in 55 cases (68.8%) and McMurray test was in 52 cases(65%). And at least one of the three physical findings was positive in 77 cases (96.3%), two
of
three
were positive in 51 cases (63.8).
2. The positive frequency of joint line tenderness was higher in anterior horn tear and that of McMurray test was higher in midportion, or posterior horn. Knee joint effusion was severe in combined anterior
3. In case positive for all 3 positive for all 3 physical findings, we thought it to be desirable chat arthroscopy was done directly for diagnosis and treatment.
4. We concluded that thorough history taking and physical examination would be enough to make a diagno-sis of meniscus tear.
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