What is the difference between valgus stress and varus stress?
The valgus test involves placing the leg into extension, with one hand placed as a pivot on the knee. The varus test involves applying forces to the knee in the opposite direction. Widening of the joint on the lateral side is indicative of lateral ligament and / or posterior cruciate ligament deficiencies.
What ligament is stressed with a varus force?
Function. The LCL stabilizes the lateral side of the knee joint, mainly in varus stress and posterolateral rotation of the tibia relative to the femur. The LCL acts as a secondary stabilizer to anterior and posterior tibial translation when the cruciate ligaments are torn.
What does valgus and varus test for?
Valgus and Varus Stress Test
| Name | Purpose | Validity, Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Valgus Stress Test | An assessment for one-plane medial instability (gapping of the tibia away from the femur on the medial side).[1] | K=0.16[3] |
What does positive valgus and varus mean?
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.
How do you remember varus and valgus stress test?
Mnemonic. The L of “lateral” is also in valgus, but not in varus. When also remembering that the direction of the distal part is key: distal (more) lateral means valgus and distal (more) medial means varus.
What is a valgus and varus force?
It is determined by the distal part being more medial or lateral than it should be. Whenever the distal part is more lateral, it is called valgus. Whenever the distal part is more medial, it is called varus.
What is varus stress test?
Use: To assess the integrity of the lateral collateral ligament & other structures preventing lateral instability of the knee.
What causes varus alignment?
If you have this condition, the larger bone in your calf, the tibia, is misaligned with the larger bone in your thigh, the femur. Varus knee is common in newborns. In older children and adults, the condition is usually caused by improper bone formation due to rickets, cancer, or arthritis.
What is a positive varus stress test?
A positive test occurs when pain or excessive gapping occurs (some gapping is normal at 30 degrees). Be sure to not include rotation of the hip in your application of force. Next the examiner should repeat the test with the knee in neutral (0 degrees of flexion). A positive test occurs when pain or gapping is produced.