The Portland Pivot Kick Test: A Physical Examination Maneuver to Detect Mechanical Symptoms From a Medial Meniscus Tear

Medial meniscus tears are quite common. Controversy exists over the efficacy and indications for arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. Some authors suggest that surgery may be indicated for patients with mechanical symptoms. There is no gold-standard method to define or detect mechanical symptoms. We report a physical examination maneuver, the Portland Pivot Kick (PPK), that can be used to help detect mechanical symptoms from a medial meniscus tear. The PPK is a standardized modification of the McMurray test. The PPK has several advantages compared to the McMurray test. The examiner does not need to touch the patient, leaving less room for variability; it can be used during a virtual visit; and it is easy to teach to health care workers or research assistants with different degrees of education.