McCarthy test

Welcome to Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School of Physical Therapy Musculoskeletal 1 Project. This space was created by and for the students at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School in the United States. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!

Original Editors - Add your name/s here if you are the original editor/s of this page. User Name

Top Contributors - Hunter Logan, Kim Jackson, Aminat Abolade, Baile Louderback, Robert Storrow, Olajumoke Ogunleye, Kenny Bosmans, George Prudden, Wanda van Niekerk and Cindy John-Chu  

Description

The McCarthy Test is a clinical test used to aid in the diagnosis of a hip labral tear. The shearing force producing painful popping, clicking, or catching while performing the test indicates a possible hip labrum tear.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

Hip Joint Anatomy

The acetabulofemoral (hip) joint is the largest and most stable joint in the human body. The acetabular labrum is a soft-tissue structure which, lines the acetabular rim of the hip joint.The joint is surrounded by ligaments that work to keep this articulation intact. Movements of this joint are facilitated by the articulation of the acetabulum and the labrum. In normal hip joint biomechanics, the labrum is crucial in retaining a layer of pressurized intra-articular fluid for joint lubrication and load support/distribution. Its seal around the femoral head is further regarded as a contributing to hip stability through its suction effect.

Click here for more detailed information on the anatomy on the hip joint.

Technique

Step 1: The patient should be laying supine with their head supported and with both arms rested to their side in a comfortable position.

Step 2: The examiner should then passively flex the affected hip to end range.

Step 3: The clinician should then externally rotate the hip as the leg is moved back into extension.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1 and 2 but internally rotate the hip as the leg is moved back into extension.

How to do the McCarthy Hip Test for a Labral Tear - YouTube

Differential Diagnosis

Because reproduction of anterior or medial hip pain can be a positive sign for a labral pathology, it is important to realize that the McCarthy test could give a false positive for a labral pathology. Other intra-articular hip disorders can present similar location of symptoms which is why further testing should be utilized.

Some of these hip pain conditions can include:

• Fractures
• Tumors
• Infection
• Osteoarthritis
• Avascular necrosis
• Adductor pathologies

Evidence

The McCarthy Test has never been subject as the single form of diagnostic studies, which is why the clinical value remains questionable. Because of the uncertainty in the clinical value of the McCarthy Test, consistent evaluation of the patient’s subjective report is important throughout examination. Limitations in active and passive range of motion along with arthrokinematic deviations at the hip can be presented by antalgic gait abnormalities which would be an indication that further tests should be used to rule out other possible intra-articular hip disorders.

Related Tests

• Fitzgerald Test
• FABER Test
• FADDIR Test