Valgus Stress Test Knee

Other Names

The application of a valgus load to the knee in extension (A) will open the medial side of the joint (B).

• Valgus Stress Test Knee

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Purpose

• Evaluate the integrity of the Medial Collateral Ligament or MCL in the setting of knee injury

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Description

• Patient is supine
• Leg is relaxed, flexed to about 30° passively so that the knee is "unlocked"
• Examiner palpates medial joint line, applies valgus force to the patients knee
• The exam should be repeated 0° or in full extension as well
• Positive test
  • Laxity or pain with valgus stress
  • Laxity at 30°: Isolated MCL injury
  • Laxity at 0°: suggests multiligament knee injury
• Grade
  • Grade 1: pain without laxity
  • Grade 2: pain, laxity compared to contralateral limb
  • Grade 3: pain, gross laxity

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Pathology

• MCL Injury
• Multiligament Injury

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Evidence

MCL Injury

• At 30°:
  • Sensitivity: 86 - 96%

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See Also

• Knee Pain (Main)
• Physical Exam Knee

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