A comparação do valor diagnóstico do exame físico para lesão meniscal em pacientes com e sem lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior A comparison of the diagnostic value of physical examination for meniscal injury in patients with and without injury of the anterior cruciate ligament

Introduction: Meniscal Injuries (MIs) commonly occur in patients suffering rotational trauma of the knee under compression. They can occur in isolation or be associated with ligament ruptures and chondral pathologies. The aim of this study is to compare the value of physical examination for diagnosis of MI in patients with and without injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Methods: 162 patients who were undergoing arthroscopy because of intraarticular knee pathologies were examined prior to the procedure by 3 of 5 residents trained to perform the set of maneuvers for diagnosis of MI (McMurray, Appley, Childress, Steinmann 1 and 2). The physical examination was considered positive when any of the tests was positive. The patients were divided into two groups with ACL injury (group A) and without ACL injury (group B). Surgical findings were recorded and compared with clinical examination findings. Every meniscal lesion found at arthroscopy was considered as a positive finding. Regarding LCA, the rupture of this structure was considered as a positive finding. Results: In group A, the set of maneuvers for MI showed 70% sensitivity, 48% specificity and 60% accuracy, while in group B, these figures were 97%, 42% and 88%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the physical examination for MI was more efficient in the absence of ACL injury. The presence of ACL injury decreased the accuracy of physical examination for MIs.