Ege's test is a standing test for a meniscus tear. It is also referred to as a 'standing McMurray test'.
Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
How do you perform the Ege's test?
The patient stands comfortably with the feet 30 cm apart. Initially the feet are turned outwards (to stress the medial meniscus).
Then the knees are slowly bent and then straightened and the patient notes any pain in the joint line or any clicking sensation. The feet must remain on the ground. If pain or a click are experienced, and this is usually at 90 degrees flexion, the patient slowly returns to an upright position and further bending is discontinued. If there is no problem, then the routine is repeated with the feet turned inward (to stress the lateral meniscus).
How specific are tests for meniscus tears?
The interpretation of every meniscus test is dependent upon the skill and experience of the examiner.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"....The multitude of tests described to assess meniscal lesions suggests that none are consistently reliable...."
Citation: Chivers MD, Howitt SD. Anatomy and physical examination of the knee menisci: a narrative review of the orthopedic literature. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2009 Dec;53(4):319-33. PMID: 20037697; PMCID: PMC2796951.
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...a torn meniscus is likely to be missed in many patients....[and] differences in anatomical attachments of the two menisci contribute to....variations in sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests...."
Citation: Hing W, White S, Reid D, Marshall R. Validity of the McMurray's Test and Modified Versions of the Test: A Systematic Literature Review. J Man Manip Ther. 2009;17(1):22-35. doi: 10.1179/106698109790818250. PMID: 20046563; PMCID: PMC2704345.