Short answer
Joint line tenderness, McMurray and Thessaly tests; MRI confirms.
Knee Special Tests
| Test | Suggests |
|---|---|
| Lachman / anterior drawer | ACL tear |
| Posterior drawer / sag sign | PCL tear |
| Valgus stress (at 0° and 30°) | MCL injury |
| Varus stress | LCL injury |
| McMurray / Thessaly / joint line tenderness | Meniscal tear |
| Patellar apprehension | Patellar instability |
| Bulge / ballottement | Effusion |
USA Knee Exam: Quick Facts
- Sequence
- Inspect → palpate → ROM → special tests
- Normal flexion
- ~135°
- ACL test
- Lachman (most sensitive)
- Also check
- Hip and neurovascular status
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