The Apley compression test primarily assesses which knee pathology?

The Apley compression test primarily assesses which knee pathology?

• A. ACL laxity
• B. Medial collateral ligament strain
• C. Osteoarthritis of the knee
• D. Meniscal tears

Answer: (D)

The Apley compression test is used to detect meniscal injury by loading the knee and twisting it to trap the meniscal tissue between the femur and tibia. If this maneuver elicits joint-line pain or a catching/locking sensation, it points to a torn meniscus because the damaged fibrocartilage is stressed by compression and rotation. This stands in contrast to ligamentous injuries such as ACL laxity or MCL strain, which are revealed by specific laxity or stress tests rather than a positive meniscal grind. Osteoarthritis tends to produce generalized chronic pain, crepitus, and joint-space changes rather than a focal pain reproduced by compressing and rotating the knee.

The Apley compression test is used to detect meniscal injury by loading the knee and twisting it to trap the meniscal tissue between the femur and tibia. If this maneuver elicits joint-line pain or a catching/locking sensation, it points to a torn meniscus because the damaged fibrocartilage is stressed by compression and rotation. This stands in contrast to ligamentous injuries such as ACL laxity or MCL strain, which are revealed by specific laxity or stress tests rather than a positive meniscal grind. Osteoarthritis tends to produce generalized chronic pain, crepitus, and joint-space changes rather than a focal pain reproduced by compressing and rotating the knee.