Knee LCL & MCL Evidence: confirmed

Varus Stress Test (Knee) Special Test

Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide

Varus Stress Test (Knee) Orthopedic Special Test

What is it used for?

  • Assessing the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).

How to Perform

  • Position: Patient supine.
  • Action: Apply a Varus (outward) force to the knee while stabilizing the ankle.
  • Test: Perform at 0° and 30° flexion.

Interpretation of Results

  • Positive Test: Pain or excessive gapping laterally.
  • Note: Laxity at 0° suggests major Posterolateral Corner (PLC) injury.

Diagnostic Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 25% (often low due to ITB guarding)

Clinical Context & Limitations

The Varus Stress Test (Knee) should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.

Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Knee region, combining the Varus Stress Test (Knee) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.

References

  • Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.

Further Clinical Exploration

Lachman Test
Knee Examination

Lachman Test

Anterior Drawer Test (Knee)
Knee Examination

Anterior Drawer Test (Knee)

Pivot Shift Test
Knee Examination

Pivot Shift Test

Posterior Drawer Test (Knee)
Knee Examination

Posterior Drawer Test (Knee)