Accuracy of McMurray and Joint Line Tenderness Tests in the Diagnosis of Chronic Meniscal Tears: An Ad Hoc Receiver Operator Characteristic Analysis Approach

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the overall diagnostic accuracy of the McMurray and joint line tenderness (JLT) tests for the detection of meniscal lesions. DesignSecondary analysis of a prospective observational study. SettingOrthopedics outpatient clinic, university hospital. ParticipantsPatients (N=56) with suspected nonacute meniscal lesions who underwent knee arthroscopy. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresDiagnostic accuracy of the McMurray and JLT tests as determined by receiver operator characteristic analysis. ResultsThe McMurray test showed higher accuracy (area under the curve [AUC], .69; SE, .079) than the JLT test (AUC, .58; SE, .084). ConclusionsThe McMurray test, although presenting a higher diagnostic accuracy than the JLT test, does not suffice as a standalone diagnostic procedure for chronic meniscal lesions. The test may still be valuable to guide the diagnosis in cases with highly suspected meniscal tears.