How Ege's Test Works to Detect a Meniscus Tear

The Ege's test is one of a few torn meniscus symptoms tests a healthcare provider may use to help diagnose such an injury. It involves putting weight on your affected knee while they listen and feel for a characteristic click.

Test results don't confirm a torn meniscus, but it can suggest one that can then be confirmed with imaging.

This article discusses what the Ege's test is, what it does, and how it compares to other tests.

What Is Ege's Test?

Ege's test was developed by Dr. Ridvan Ege in 1968. When a meniscus tear is suspected, this test might be used to help decide whether the tear might need surgery.

In the Ege's test, the patient applies force to their knee through a squatting movement with the supervision of a healthcare provider. The examiner listens and feels for a click due to the torn piece of cartilage being caught between the bones.

It is also considered a modified or weight-bearing form of another test, the McMurray test. The McMurray test is also used to detect meniscus symptoms.

How Ege's Test Is Performed

In an Ege's test, you will stand with your knees straight and feet about a foot apart (30 to 40 centimeters).

To test for a suspected medial meniscus tear (on the inner side of the knee), you'll be asked to turn your toes outward, externally rotating the knee. You'll then squat and slowly stand back up. The person who examines your knee will be on the alert for a clicking sound or feeling. You may also feel pain in the area of the meniscus.

To test for a lateral meniscus tear (on the outer side of the knee), you'll be asked to turn your toes inward as far as your knees can rotate. You'll then squat and slowly stand up. A click or pain can indicate a meniscus tear.

Usually, pain or a click will be felt when the knee is flexed (bent) at about 90 degrees. When squatting, you can use support if needed. Often, even people without meniscus tears can't do the squats requested without support.

Other Tests to Detect a Meniscus Tear

The patient is examined lying down with these two common tests:

• McMurray's test: This non-weight bearing test is performed with the patient lying down. The examiner bends the knee while rotating it. The click is felt over the meniscus tear as the knee is brought from full flexion (fully bent) to 90 degrees. The patient may also experience pain along with the click.
• Joint line tenderness: This one is a very non-specific test for a meniscus tear. The healthcare provider will feel the area of the meniscus. A positive test is confirmed if there is pain in the area where the meniscus is found.

What Is the Best Test?

Studies have looked at all three tests for detecting a meniscus tear. No one test was significantly better than the others. In one review of studies, the authors found that a combination of the tests was most useful for diagnosing a meniscus tear. An MRI can also be helpful in determining the presence and extent of a meniscus tear.

Summary

Ege's test helps diagnose a meniscus tear in the knee. It involves putting weight on the knee in a squatting position under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Pain or a clicking noise may indicate a meniscus tear. Your doctor may use other tests as well, including an MRI to confirm a diagnosis.