Cooper's sign
Cooper's sign is a test for meniscal damage in the knee. It involves the patient complaining of joint line pain in the affected knee when turning over in bed at night changing position of their legs. It is thought that the meniscal tear causes pain as the torn fragment is torqued between the femur and tibia, and as it pulls on the joint capsule, pain is felt. This test can differentiate knee pain from arthritic pain which is more common with weightbearing.
If the Cooper's Test is positive, an MRI may be indicated for a definitive diagnosis. A diagnostic ultrasound is an office based test that is less expensive and also useful in diagnosing meniscal tears.
Related tests
The McMurray's Test is an older test also used to determine meniscal tearing. It involves the rotation of the tibia on the femur in an attempt to cause a "click" to be felt as the meniscal fragment is caught. Described in the late 19th century, it is non-specific as many conditions cause a "click" in the knee.
The Thessaly Test is a test for meniscal damage where the patient stands with their weight on the affected leg, and then flexes his knee to 30 degrees and twists to the right and left. Reproduction of the pain is considered positive for meniscal tearing.[1]
See also
References
External links
Described by Dr. David Cooper of The Knee Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States.
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