A patient’s knee pain is recreated by passively flexing their knee and applying compression with medial and lateral rotation of the tibia. What are they being tested for?

The scenario described involves testing the knee joint using passive movements that recreate pain. When flexing the knee and applying compression while also incorporating medial and lateral rotation of the tibia, this specific maneuver is indicative of evaluating the meniscus.

The meniscus consists of fibrocartilaginous structures that act as shock absorbers and stabilizers within the knee joint. The compression and rotation during the test can create shearing forces that may elicit pain if there is a meniscal tear or injury. A healthy meniscus typically absorbs these forces without causing pain, while damage to it often leads to discomfort when subjected to such movements.

It's important to note that while other structures in the knee may also be evaluated through movement and palpation, the described actions specifically target the meniscus. If it were an issue with the popliteus, joint capsule, or anterior cruciate ligament, the tests would differ in technique and would focus on their unique anatomical functions or mechanics.