Thessaly Test | Meniscal Tear Assessment

-- PURPOSE --
To assess for meniscal tears in the knee

-- POSITION --
Standing

-- TECHNIQUE --
► Begin by providing hand over hand assistance so that the patient can keep their balance
► Instruct the patient to stand only on their unaffected leg first, with a 20° bend at the knee
► Have the patient rotate their knee medially and laterally 3 times
► Now repeat the test with the involved leg

-- POSITIVE TEST --
Joint line discomfort or locking/catching in the knee

-- SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY --
Injury to Medial Meniscus
► Sensitivity: 89%
► Specificity: 97%
Injury to Lateral Meniscus
► Sensitivity: 92%
► Specificity: 96%
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* REFERENCES*

Harrison BK, Abell BE, Gibson TW. "The Thessaly test for detection of meniscal tears: validation of a new physical examination technique for primary care medicine." Clin J Sport Med. Jan 2009;19(1):9-12. Web. 09/05/2012.

Karachalios T, Hantes M, Zibis AH, Zachos V, Karantanas AH, Malizos KN. Diagnostic accuracy of a new clinical test (the Thessaly test) for early detection of meniscal tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(5):955-962.
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* This is not medical advice *
This content is intended as educational material for healthcare professionals and healthcare students. Patients should seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.