Knee Varus & Valgus Stress Test
Posted on 20. Sep, 2010 by Don in Knee Special Tests
Loading ...Purpose
These tests are used to assess the integrity of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee.
Technique
Varus Test
Patient positioned in supine.
Clinician sits on the plinth and cradles the medial part of the leg being tested against his body.
Clinician’s palpation finger palpates the LCL which is located just proximal to the fibular head.
Clinician’s other hand is the mobilization hand and he places it in the medial joint line.
Clinician takes patient’s knee into full knee extension and then brings the patients knee about 5° out of full extension.
Clinician then applies a varus force to knee with mobilization hand.
Clinician tests both knees.
Valgus Test
Patient positioned in supine.
Clinician stands and cradles the lateral part of the leg being tested against his body.
Clinician’s palpation finger palpates the MCL which is located in the medially in the medial joint space.
Clinician’s other hand is the mobilization hand and he places it in the lateral joint line.
Clinician takes patient’s knee into full knee extension and then brings the patients knee about 5° out of full extension.
Clinician then applies a valgus force to knee with mobilization hand.
Clinician tests both knees.
Positive
Varus Test
Lateral knee pain and/or increased varus moment compared to other knee.
Valgus Test
Medial knee pain and/or increased valgus moment compared to other knee.
Interpretation
A positive test indicates laxity or a tear to the ligament being tested.
References
- Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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