The accuracy of joint line tenderness by physical examination in the diagnosis of meniscal tears

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the accuracy of joint line tenderness in the diagnosis of meniscal tears. Type of Study: Prospective cohort study. Methods: There were 104 male recruits (age range, 18 to 20 years; mean, 19.2 years) with suspected meniscal lesions who underwent arthroscopy. A thorough history and physical examination was performed on each patient by a physician with 4 years’ experience on arthroscopic knee surgery. Twenty-six (25%) patients sustained injuries while in the Turkish Army, and 78 patients (75%) sustained injuries before they came to the army. On physical examination, assessment of joint line tenderness at the lateral and medial joint lines was performed with the patient’s knee flexed 90°. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of joint line tenderness for medial and lateral sides were calculated based on arthroscopic findings. Results: In 104 knees, the diagnosis was correct in 71 (68%) and incorrect in 33 (32%) knees. A total of 37 medial meniscal tears and 27 lateral meniscal tears were identified at arthroscopy. Other pathology included 11 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, 5 medial femoral chondral lesions, 4 chondromalacia patellae, and 1 medial plica. No discernable abnormalities were seen in 21 knees. A preoperative diagnosis of a medial meniscal tear was made in 54 knees and 32 were confirmed at arthroscopy. A lateral meniscus tear was suspected in 27 knees and confirmed in 25. Five medial meniscus and 2 lateral meniscus tears were seen at arthroscopy. These had not been suspected with tenderness over the joint line. The accuracy of the test was lower with the presence of ACL lesions and condromalacia patella. Conclusions: I concluded that joint line tenderness as a test for lateral meniscal tears is accurate (96%), sensitive (89%), and specific (97%). However, for medial meniscal tears, rates are lower.     

Positive predictive value of maximal posterior joint-line tenderness in diagnosing meniscal pathology: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of the point of maximal posterior joint line tenderness (JLT), as a clinical sign, to diagnose underlying meniscal tears. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of patients requiring arthroscopic surgery, who consecutively presented to the University of Calgary's Sport Medicine Centre. The femurotibial joint line was palpated for the point of maximal tenderness. We recorded the data on the arthroscopy report. A second examiner (orthopedic sport medicine surgical fellow or sport medicine physician) performed the same protocol. An arthroscopist documented the site of pathology as detected by arthroscopy. RESULTS: We found a PPV of 60.0% and a negative predictive value of 62.5%, suggesting that maximal posterior JLT may be predictive of meniscal pathology. The sensitivity and specificity were 84.6% and 31.2%, respectively (p = 0.155), with Fisher's exact test. The kappa score assessed interobserver reliability and was good at 0.48. Patients with maximal posterior JLT but no meniscal pathology did have other confounding pathology and patients with no maximal posterior JLT who had meniscal pathology usually had confounding knee pathology. CONCLUSIONS: We found a PPV of 60.0% of maximal posterior JLT and meniscal pathology located at the same anatomical site on arthroscopic examination.     

The utility of clinical examination in the diagnosis of medial meniscus injury in comparison with arthroscopic findings

A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the utility of clinical meniscal tests (joint line tenderness, McMurray test, Apley test and Steinmann I sign) in the diagnosis of medial meniscus injury. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of these tests were calculated in comparison with arthroscopic findings in 50 patients presented to us between January 2005 and January 2006 with knee pain and clinical manifestations of meniscal injury. The arthroscopy revealed that 32 patients (30 males and 2 females, aged 19–39 with mean of 27 years) had medial meniscus injury. Joint line tenderness showed the best diagnostic accuracy (80%) while Steinmann I sign had promising diagnostic characteristics. Similar to previous reports, the present study confirmed that caution should be used when interpreting the McMurray and Apley tests in the diagnosis of medial meniscus injury.     

Degenerative meniscus: Pathogenesis,diagnosis, and treatment options

The symptomatic degenerative meniscus continues to be a source of discomfort for a significant number of patients. With vascular penetration of less than one-third of the adult meniscus, healing potential in the setting of chronic degeneration remains low. Continued hoop and shear stresses upon the degenerative meniscus results in gross failure, often in the form of complex tears in the posterior horn and midbody. Patient history and physical examination are critical to determine the true source of pain, particularly with the significant incidence of simultaneous articular pathology. Joint line tenderness, a positive McMurray test, and mechanical catching or locking can be highly suggestive of a meniscal source of knee pain and dysfunction. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently utilized to examine for osteoarthritis and to verify the presence of meniscal tears, in addition to ruling out other sources of pain. Non-operative therapy focused on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be able to provide pain relief as well as improve mechanical function of the knee joint. For patients refractory to conservative therapy, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy can provide short-term gains regarding pain relief, especially when combined with an effective, regular physiotherapy program. Patients with clear mechanical symptoms and meniscal pathology may benefit from arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, but surgery is not a guaranteed success, especially with concomitant articular pathology. Ultimately, the long-term outcomes of either treatment arm provide similar results for most patients. Further study is needed regarding the short and long-term outcomes regarding conservative and surgical therapy, with a particular focus on the economic impact of treatment as well.     

Diagnostic value of clinical tests and Mri for meniscal injury in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury: Case series study

Introduction and importanceMeniscal tear is one of the most common knee injuries and knee surgery procedures. It is frequently associated with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. We conducted this study, on patients with ACL reconstruction surgeries, which were occasionally accompanied by meniscal tears, in order to determine the diagnostic value of clinical examinations for meniscal tear, both individually and in combination, in correlations to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, with the goal of improving clinical diagnosis for patients with meniscal injuries in particular, as well as meniscal injuries associated with cruciate ligament knee injuries.Case presentation50 patients were thoroughly clinically examined, using Joint line tenderness, Thessaly test, McMurray's test, Apley's test followed by MRI, before their scheduled ACL reconstruction arthroscopic surgeries. The meniscal tears were then identified during the procedure, and were treated, if necessary. The data before and after the surgery was taken into calculating, with arthroscopic findings serving as the gold standard. Results: the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of each clinical tests and MRI scans respectively were: for medial meniscus, Joint line tenderness (70%; 53,3%; 60%); McMurray's test (80%; 73,3%: 76%); Apley's test (65%; 70%; 68%); Thessaly test(70%; 76,7%; 74%); MRI (90%; 83,3%; 86%); lateral meniscus: Joint line tenderness (73%; 66,7%; 70%); McMurray's test (69,2%; 75%: 72%); Apley's test (69,2%; 70,8%; 70%); Thessaly test (73,1%; 75%; 74%); MRI (88,5%; 87,5%; 88%). However, when combining at least two positive tests into a single composite test, the diagnostic value is considerably enhanced with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 85%, 73,3%, 78% for medial meniscus, 92,3%, 87,5%, 90% for lateral meniscus.Clinical discussionClinical tests are essential for diagnosis of meniscal tears, although inconsistent. A composite test consisting of at least two positive tests can considerably enhance the diagnostic value, even comparable to MRI scans. However, after the clinical examination, MRI is still necessary for the diagnostic process of meniscal injuries in particular, as well as meniscal injuries associated with cruciate ligament knee injuries.ConclusionThe combination of clinical tests and MRI images will give a precise diagnosis as well as surgical indication for meniscus injury in patients with anterior cruciate ligament tear.     

Knee locking and pain mimicking lateral meniscal tear due to unusual location of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis: a diagnostic surprise

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is one of the rare conditions, which typically involves the knee joint. There are two main types of PVNS-localized and diffuse, with localized type relatively rare when compared to diffuse PVNS. This case report describes a 30-year-old man presenting with a short history of swelling, posterolateral joint line pain and intra-articular mechanical locking of the left knee. There was localized tenderness, and McMurray’s test was positive. Arthroscopy revealed a firm pedicular localized pigmented villonodular synovitis originating from the beneath of the body and posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. The lesion was excised arthroscopically. This allowed a return to normal daily activities. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) arising from posterolateral aspect of knee mimicking lateral meniscal tear has not been reported in the literature. Though rare, LPVNS should be kept as differential diagnosis of meniscal tear. LPVNS can be managed effectively with arthroscopy.     

The plica syndrome.

The plica syndrome is an uncommon pathologic entity diagnosed far too often in the setting of concomitant pathology. Medial patellar pain is more likely to be related to patellofemoral maltracking than to plica syndrome. Likewise, anteromedial joint line tenderness is more likely to be related to a meniscal tear than to a pathological plica. An accurate history and physical examination aided by appropriate ancillary tests to confirm the diagnosis are essential to avoid unnecessary surgical treatment. Conservative measures are very effective and must be emphasized before any operative procedure. When arthroscopy is indicated, a thorough examination of the entire knee joint is necessary. A plica may or may not be present. When a pathological plica is found, excision is rewarded with excellent results. Unfortunately, many normal plicae are removed simply because they are present and not because they are symptomatic or pathologic. This leads to persistent symptoms because of misdiagnosis, as well as possible complications secondary to the operation.     

Diagnostic accuracy of a new clinical test (the Thessaly test) for early detection of meniscal tears

BACKGROUND: Clinical tests used for the detection of meniscal tears in the knee do not present acceptable diagnostic sensitivity and specificity values. Diagnostic accuracy is improved by arthroscopic evaluation or magnetic resonance imaging studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a new dynamic clinical examination test for the detection of meniscal tears. METHODS: Two hundred and thirteen symptomatic patients with knee injuries who were examined clinically, had magnetic resonance imaging studies performed, and underwent arthroscopic surgery and 197 asymptomatic volunteers who were examined clinically and had magnetic resonance imaging studies done of their normal knees were included in this study. For clinical examination, the medial and lateral joint-line tenderness test, the McMurray test, the Apley compression and distraction test, the Thessaly test at 5 degrees of knee flexion, and the Thessaly test at 20 degrees of knee flexion were used. For all clinical tests, the sensitivity, specificity, false-positive, false-negative, and diagnostic accuracy rates were calculated and compared with the arthroscopic and magnetic resonance imaging data for the test subjects and the magnetic resonance imaging data for the control population. RESULTS: The Thessaly test at 20 degrees of knee flexion had a high diagnostic accuracy rate of 94% in the detection of tears of the medial meniscus and 96% in the detection of tears of the lateral meniscus, and it had a low rate of false-positive and false-negative recordings. Other traditional clinical examination tests, with the exception of joint-line tenderness, which presented a diagnostic accuracy rate of 89% in the detection of lateral meniscal tears, showed inferior rates. CONCLUSIONS: The Thessaly test at 20 degrees of knee flexion can be used effectively as a first-line clinical screening test for meniscal tears, reducing the need for and the cost of modern magnetic resonance imaging methods.     

Physical examination tests for assessing a torn meniscus in the knee: a systematic review with meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: To identify, analyze, and synthesize the literature to determine which physical examination tests, if any, accurately diagnose a torn tibial meniscus. BACKGROUND: Knee pain has a lifetime prevalence of up to 45%, and as many as 31% of individuals with knee pain will consult a general practitioner. Roughly 5% of these individuals will undergo a tibial meniscectomy and many more will undergo partial meniscectomy or meniscus repair. Determining which of these individuals is appropriate for surgical consult depends on clinical examination findings. METHODS AND MEASURES: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus from1966 to August 2006 and extracted all English- and German-language studies that reported the diagnostic accuracy of individual physical examination tests for a torn meniscus. We retrieved data regarding true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives to create 2-by-2 tables for each article and test. Like tests were then subjected to meta-analysis and subanalysis. Cochran Q test and the 12 statistic were used to examine for the presence of heterogeneity and the extent of the effect of heterogeneity, respectively. A qualitative analysis was also performed using the QUADAS tool. RESULTS: Eighteen studies qualified for the final analyses. Three physical examination tests (McMurray's, Apley's, and joint line tenderness) were examined in more than 7 studies and had enough data to consider meta-analysis. However, study results were heterogeneous. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 71% for McMurray's, 60% and 70% for Apley's, and 63% and 77% for joint line tenderness. Large between-study differences could not be explained by prevalence, study quality, or how well an index test was described. CONCLUSIONS: No single physical examination test appears to accurately diagnose a torn tibial meniscus and the value of history plus physical examination is unknown. Differences between studies in diagnostic performance remain unexplained, presumably due to local differences in the way the tests are defined, performed, and interpreted. We recommend a more standardized approach to performing and interpreting these tests and the development of a clinical prediction rule to aid clinicians in the diagnosis of a torn tibial meniscus.     

Stress fractures of the medial femoral condyle

Three military recruits who presented with medial joint line pain and positive Appley grinding tests were found on the basis of scintigrams plus arthroscopy and/or arthrogram to have no intra-articular pathology, but rather medial femoral condyle stress fractures. The importance of the differential diagnosis is emphasized.     

Radiofrequency sacroiliac joint denervation for sacroiliac syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radiofrequency (RF) denervation of the sacroiliac (SI) joint has been advocated for the treatment of sacroiliac syndrome, yet no clinical studies or case series support its use. METHODS: We report the results of a consecutive series of 50 SI joint RF denervations performed in 33 patients with sacroiliac syndrome. All patients underwent diagnostic SI joint injections with local anesthetic before denervation. Changes in visual analog pain scores (VAS), pain diagrams, physical examination (palpation tenderness over the joint, myofascial trigger points overlying the joint, SI joint pain provocation tests, and range of motion of the lumbar spine), and opioid use were assessed pre- and postdenervation. RESULTS: The criteria for successful RF denervation were at least a 50% decrease in VAS for a period of at least 6 months; 36.4% of patients (12 of 33) met these criteria. Failure of denervation correlated with the presence of disability determination and pain on lateral flexion to the affected side. The average duration of pain relief was 12.0 +/- 1.2 months in responders versus 0.9 +/- 0.2 months in nonresponders (P < or = 0.0001). A positive response was associated with an atraumatic inciting event. Successful denervation was associated with a change in the pain diagram and a reduction in the pattern of referred pain, a normalization of SI joint pain provocation tests, and a reduction in the use of opioids. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that RF denervation of the SI joint can significantly reduce pain in selected patients with sacroiliac syndrome for a protracted time period. Moreover, certain abnormal physical findings (i.e., SI joint pain provocation tests) revert to normal for the duration of the analgesia.     

Biomechanical comparison of a new stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion cage with established fixation techniques – a three-dimensional finite element analysis

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of self-reported and clinical knee morbidity among floor layers compared to a group of graphic designers, with special attention to meniscal status.

Methods

We obtained information about knee complaints by questionnaire and conducted a bilateral clinical and radiographic knee examination in 134 male floor layers and 120 male graphic designers. After the exclusion of subjects with reports of earlier knee injuries the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of knee complaints and clinical findings were computed among floor layers compared to graphic designers, using logistic regression. Estimates were adjusted for effects of body mass index, age and knee straining sports. Using radiographic evaluations, we conducted side-specific sensitivity analyses regarding clinical signs of meniscal lesions after the exclusion of participants with tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA).

Results

Reports of knee pain (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.5–4.6), pain during stair walking (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3–3.9) and symptoms of catching of the knee joint (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.4–5.7) were more prevalent among floor layers compared to graphic designers. Additionally, significant more floor layers than graphic designers had clinical signs suggesting possible meniscal lesions: a positive McMurray test (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1–5.0) and TF joint line tenderness (OR = 5.4, 95% CI = 2.4–12.0). Excluding floor layers (n = 22) and graphic designers (n = 15) with radiographic TF OA did not alter this trend between the two study groups: a positive McMurray test (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.0–4.9), TF joint line tenderness (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.0–12.5).

Conclusion

Results indicate that floor layers have a high prevalence of both self-reported and clinical knee morbidity. Clinical knee findings suggesting possible meniscal lesions were significant more prevalent among floor layers compared to a group of low-level exposed graphic designers and an association with occupational kneeling could be possible. However, causality cannot be confirmed due to the cross-sectional study design.     

Hildreth's test is a reliable clinical sign for the diagnosis of glomus tumours

Hildreth's test is a clinical test for the diagnosis of glomus tumours. It is positive if there is a reduction in pain and tenderness on exsanguination and ischaemia of the affected part. This study assessed Hildreth's test, and found 92% sensitivity and 91% specificity with a positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 91%.     

Diagnostic values of tests for acromioclavicular joint pain

BACKGROUND: This prospective study was performed to determine which clinical and imaging tests were most helpful for diagnosing acromioclavicular joint pain. METHODS: Of 1037 patients with shoulder pain, 113 who mapped pain within an area bounded by the midpart of the clavicle and the deltoid insertion were eligible for inclusion in the study. Forty-two subjects agreed to participate, and four of them were lost to follow-up. Twenty clinical tests, radiography, bone-scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, and an acromioclavicular joint injection test were performed on all patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had a > or =50% decrease in pain following the acromioclavicular joint injection. Statistical analysis, including multivariate regression analysis, was performed in order to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of the various tests. RESULTS: Acromioclavicular joint pain was confirmed in twenty-eight of the thirty-eight patients. The most sensitive tests were examination for acromioclavicular tenderness (96% sensitivity), the Paxinos test (79%), magnetic resonance imaging (85%), and bone-scanning (82%), but these studies had low specificity. In the stepwise regression model, with the response to the injection used as the dependent variable, bone-scanning and the Paxinos test were the only independent variables retained. Patients with a positive Paxinos test as well as a positive bone scan had high post-test odds (55:1) and a 99% post-test probability of having pain due to pathological changes in the acromioclavicular joint. The likelihood ratio for patients with one negative test and one positive test was indeterminate (0.4:1). Patients with both a negative Paxinos test and a negative bone scan had a likelihood ratio of 0.03:1 for having acromioclavicular joint pain, which basically rules out the disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The highly sensitive tests had low specificity, and the highly specific tests had low sensitivity. However, the combination of a positive Paxinos test and a positive bone scan predicted damage to the acromioclavicular joint as the cause of shoulder pain with a high degree of confidence.     

Arthroscopic treatment of cysts of the menisci. A preliminary report

A retrospective clinical study evaluated the results of arthroscopic management of cysts of the menisci. From 1979 to 1984, 24 patients with a diagnosis of meniscal cysts associated with tears of the semilunar cartilage were treated with partial meniscectomy and cyst decompression. The mean age was 29.9 years (range, 14-52 years). Each patient had tenderness over the joint line with a palpable mass. There were 25 cases of meniscal cysts, with one patient having a bilateral cyst. Twenty-two cysts involved the lateral meniscus, and three cysts were on the medial side of the knee. The follow-up period ranged from 16 to 48 months (mean, 33.5 months). All patients had a meniscal tear; most tears were either horizontal or transverse, with or without flap formation. The pathology was in the middle or anterior one-third of the meniscus. The arthroscopic surgery consisted of partial excision of the meniscal tear, leaving a peripheral rim at times, coupled with aspiration of the cyst material or manipulation of its contents into the joint cavity. No cyst recurred, and in every patient except one, preoperative symptoms disappeared. All patients but one were satisfied with the results. Two patients had a second arthroscopy, and no evidence of instability of the peripheral rim was found.     

Lateral facet syndrome of the patella. Lateral restraint analysis and use of lateral resection

Thirty-eight knees in 34 patients with an average age of 22 years were diagnosed as having lateral facet syndrome (LFS), a painful compressive arthropathy of the lateral facet of the patella. This diagnosis was based on the physical findings of tenderness at the lateral patellofemoral joint line, tenderness over the vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) tendon just above the patella, a positive medial apprehension test, and marked resistance to medial patellar displacement with the knee flexed 30 degrees. The most common complaints were patellar pain with activity, pain with prolonged knee flexion, intermittent knee swelling, and giving way. At surgery, the VLO, the lateral retinaculum (LR), and the anterior fibers of the iliotibial tract (ITT) were sequentially divided from the lateral border of the patella. Each was temporarily reattached to a cuff of soft tissue left on the patella using surgical clamps to determine its contribution to lateral restraint. The VLO was found to be the primary restraint in one-half of the knees. In one-third of the knees, all three of the structures contributed equally. In six knees, the primary restraint was the anterior fibers of the ITT, whereas the LR was the primary restraint in only two. The distal ends of these three structures were then resected to prevent rescarring and retethering. At a minimum follow-up period of two years, 87% had satisfactory relief of their patellar pain, had returned to normal activities, and had no or minimal physical findings of LFS. The procedure is recommended for patients who have failed other procedures and in those whose symptoms cannot be controlled by activity modification, exercises, bracing, or medication.     

Use of the Flexion Test of the Distal Forelimb in the Sound Horse: Repeatability and Effect of Age,Gender, Weight,Height and Fetlock Joint Range of Motion

The flexion test of the distal limb is a commonly used clinical tool in both lame and sound horses. In the latter use it is given some predictive value. In recent studies it has been shown that examiner‐related factors (force, time) may strongly influence the outcome of the test. In the present study, the possible influences of a number of horse‐related factors and short‐ and long‐term repeatability were investigated. Flexion tests were performed by the same researcher in 100 clinically sound horses under standardized conditions. The outcome of the test was scored on a 9‐point semiquantitative scale. The maximum flexion angles of the fetlock joints were measured and the range of motion (ROM) of the fetlock joint was calculated. In the second part of the study, flexion tests were repeated, at intervals of 10 min, 30 min, 48 h and 6 months in 23 horses to assess repeatability. Over 60% of the 100 sound horses had a positive flexion test. Of these, about 50% showed a slight lameness, 35% a mild lameness, and 15% a distinct lameness. There was no influence of weight, height or ROM on the score of the flexion test. The outcome of the flexion test increased significantly with age and was significantly higher in mares than in geldings. When repeating the flexion test with short intervals of 10 and 30 min, the score increased significantly after the second test. Repeated flexion after 48 h did not result in a significantly different outcome. Over a 6‐month period, the outcome of the test decreased significantly and the ROM increased significantly. It is concluded that most clinically sound horses have a (slightly) positive flexion test of the distal limb. This and the lack of long‐term consistency of the test cast doubt on the presumption that a positive flexion test may be an indication for subclinical joint disorders and question the possible value of the test as a predictor of future joint‐related problems. There exists a wide individual variation in ROM of the fetlock joint with, in sound horses, no relationship between ROM and the outcome of the flexion test. The factors age and gender should be taken into account when interpreting the results of a flexion test.     

Meniscal injury: I. Basic science and evaluation

The patient with meniscal injury may present with pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms and often requires surgical intervention for symptom resolution. Treatment of such injuries relies on understanding the gross and microanatomic features of the meniscus that are important in maintaining meniscal function. The ability of the meniscus to participate in load bearing, shock absorption, joint lubrication, and joint stability depends on the maintenance of its structural integrity. The diagnosis of meniscal injury often can be made by clinical evaluation utilizing the history, physical examination, and plain radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging can be useful in confirming the diagnosis when clinical findings are inconclusive. Treatment depends on tear pattern, vascularity, and an assessment of tissue quality. Surgical decision making for the treatment of meniscal injury is based on patient factors and understanding of the meniscal structure, function, and pathology.     

Surgical treatment of symptomatic discoid medial meniscus in childhood: a case report

If the meniscus has a spherical shape and not a semilunary structure, it is called as discoid meniscus. This anomaly is generally seen in the lateral meniscus; however, it is rare in the medial meniscus. Although the discoid meniscus is usually asymptomatic in children and adolescents, it could present as a meniscal tear. An 11-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital with right knee pain and lack of extension of the knee joint. He was diagnosed as discoid medial meniscus. On physical examination, we observed tenderness at the knee joint line with an effusion of the knee and a restriction during the extension movement of the knee joint. McMurray test was positive. Conventional radiograms revealed widening of the medial joint line and cupping of the medial tibial plateau. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated a discoid meniscus image at sagittal slices. In this case, after the arthroscopic partial menisectomy, we obtained an excellent result at 2 years follow-up.     

Objective clinical evaluation of physical impairment in chronic low back pain.

The aim of this study was to investigate physical impairment in patients with chronic low back pain, to develop a method of clinical evaluation suitable for routine use, and to consider the relationship between pain, disability, and physical impairment. Twenty-seven physical tests were investigated. Permanent anatomic and structural impairments of spinal deformities, spinal fractures, surgical scarring, and neurologic deficits were excluded as not relevant to the patient with low back pain in the absence of nerve root involvement or previous surgery. Three consecutive 20-patient reproducibility studies were used to develop reliable methods of examination for 23 of the tests. Only four tests were excluded as unreliable: sacral angle, pelvic tilt, and separate lumbar and pelvic extension, none of which are part of routine clinical examination or have any proven relationship to disability. The remaining 23 physical tests were evaluated in 70 asymptomatic subjects and 120 patients with chronic low back pain. Passive knee flexion, passive hip flexion, hip flexion strength, hip abduction strength, pain reproduction on each of these tests, and the prone extension strength test were excluded because they were too closely related to nonorganic and behavioral responses to examination. Eight tests successfully discriminated patients with low back pain from normal subjects and were significantly related to self-report disability in activities of daily living: pelvic flexion, total flexion, total extension, lateral flexion, straight leg raising, spinal tenderness, bilateral active straight leg raising, and sit-up. Factor analysis failed to demonstrate an underlying statistical dimension of physical impairment. However, an empirical combination of total flexion, total extension, average lateral flexion, average straight leg raising, spinal tenderness, bilateral active straight leg raising, and sit-up provided an equally satisfactory alternative. Simple cut-offs from normal subjects made the scale simple and quick to use. This final scale successfully discriminated 78% of patients and normal subjects and explained 25% of the variance of disability, with a specificity of 86% and sensitivity of 76%. This scale provides an objective clinical evaluation that meets the criteria for evaluating physical impairment, yet is simple, reliable, and suitable for routine clinical use. It should, however, be emphasized that all the tests included in the final scale are measures of current functional limitation rather than of permanent anatomic or structural impairment. This raises questions about the physical basis of permanent disability due to chronic low back pain.