Knee Orthopaedic Test: Thessaly Test

The Thessaly Test is a clinical examination maneuver used to assess meniscal tears in the knee joint. It involves the patient actively rotating their body while standing on one leg, and the examiner applies a controlled rotational force to the knee joint. 

Procedure:

• Position the patient standing on a flat surface, with feet shoulder-width apart and hands on the hips.
• Instruct the patient to flex the knee slightly and stand on one leg (the leg being tested) with the other foot slightly off the ground.
• Provide support to the patient, if needed, to maintain balance during the test.
• The patient should then rotate their body internally (medially) and externally (laterally) three times, keeping the foot of the tested leg in contact with the ground.
• Repeat the rotation in the opposite direction (internal and external rotation).
• Ask the patient to report any pain, discomfort, or clicking sensation during the rotations.
• Perform the test on the other leg, if indicated.
• Note any positive findings, such as pain, clicking, or joint locking during the test.

References:

1. Physical Examination of the Knee: Meniscus Tests. OrthoBullets. Available at: https://www.orthobullets.com/knee-and-sports/3008/physical-examination-of-the-knee. Accessed on April 5, 2023.
2. Kim W, Lee K. Thessaly Test. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470228/. Accessed on April 5, 2023.
3. Deyle GD, Lonnemann RL. Nonoperative man