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Knee Valgus Stress Test
Aka: Knee Valgus Stress Test, Knee Varus Stress Test
- Indications
- Evaluate for Knee Collateral Ligament instability
- Patient Position
- Patient lies supine on table
- Lower thigh rests on table edge, leg hangs off table
- Technique
- Perform each stress in two positions
- Knee in 0 degrees (full extension)
- Knee stabilized by PCL and bony articulation
- Knee in 30 degrees of flexion
- Isolates collateral ligament for evaluation
- 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


- 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
- 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
- References
- Budoff (1997, April) Consultant, 919-30 [PubMed]