Knee: Apley grinding test: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Knee: Apley grinding test

Sample item

A footballer lies prone with the knee flexed to 90 degrees. The examiner presses the heel downward while rotating the tibia and the patient has joint line pain, which eases on distraction. Which structure is likely injured?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Meniscus

In Apley's grinding test, rotation under axial compression traps a torn meniscus and causes pain. Pain that appears on distraction instead suggests a ligament injury. It is used with McMurray's test and joint line tenderness.

Option by option

  • A. Anterior cruciate ligament

    ACL injury is detected by the Lachman and anterior drawer tests.

  • B. Medial collateral ligament

    Collateral ligament injury produces pain on distraction with rotation and not on compression.

  • C. Patellar tendon

    The patellar tendon is not tested by this manoeuvre.

  • D. Meniscus (correct)

    Correct. Pain on compression with rotation points to a meniscal tear.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Meniscus. In Apley's grinding test, rotation under axial compression traps a torn meniscus and causes pain.

Why is "Anterior cruciate ligament" not the answer?

ACL injury is detected by the Lachman and anterior drawer tests.

Why is "Medial collateral ligament" not the answer?

Collateral ligament injury produces pain on distraction with rotation and not on compression.

Why is "Patellar tendon" not the answer?

The patellar tendon is not tested by this manoeuvre.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Knee: Apley grinding test in Orthopaedics. Pain that appears on distraction instead suggests a ligament injury. It is used with McMurray's test and joint line tenderness.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Knee: Apley grinding test?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.