II. Indications
- Evaluate for Knee Collateral Ligament instability
III. Patient Position
- Patient lies supine on table
- Lower thigh rests on table edge, leg hangs off table
IV. Technique
- Perform each stress in two positions
- Stabilize lower thigh with one hand
- Apply gentle stress at patient's ankle or foot
- Valgus stress tests medial collateral ligament
- Varus stress tests lateral collateral ligament
- Repeat test with gentle rocking motion
- Images
V. Precautions: Varus Stress Test
- Varus Stress Test may give False Positive result
- Femur rolls externally if not supported
- Slight knee flexion may allow for laxity
- Stabilize ipsilateral ankle to isolate knee
- Sit on edge of table
- Patient's ankle rests on examiner's upper knee
VI. Interpretation: Positive Test implies Instability
- See Ligamentous Sprain for laxity grading
- Laxity on Varus stress suggests Knee LCL Tear
- Laxity on valgus stress suggests Knee MCL Tear