Which description best matches the varus stress test protocol?

Which description best matches the varus stress test protocol?

• A. Medial force is applied at the knee in slight flexion to isolate MCL.
• B. Lateral force is applied at knee in slight flexion and full extension while stabilising femur.
• C. Lateral force is applied at knee in deep flexion only.
• D. Posterior force is applied to assess knee stability.

Answer: (B)

Varus stress test checks the stability of the knee’s lateral structures, especially the lateral collateral ligament and the posterolateral corner. The test is done by applying a varus (inward) force to the knee while it is in slight flexion (about 20–30 degrees) to stress the LCL specifically, and then again with the knee in full extension to assess the entire lateral complex and joint capsule. The femur is stabilized with one hand so the force is directed through the knee rather than moving the thigh. A positive finding is increased lateral joint space opening or lateral-sided pain compared with the other knee, indicating injury to the LCL or posterolateral corner. The other descriptions resemble a valgus test (medial force to test the MCL), involve deep flexion not used here, or describe a posterior force for the PCL—these don’t match the varus protocol.

Varus stress test checks the stability of the knee’s lateral structures, especially the lateral collateral ligament and the posterolateral corner. The test is done by applying a varus (inward) force to the knee while it is in slight flexion (about 20–30 degrees) to stress the LCL specifically, and then again with the knee in full extension to assess the entire lateral complex and joint capsule. The femur is stabilized with one hand so the force is directed through the knee rather than moving the thigh. A positive finding is increased lateral joint space opening or lateral-sided pain compared with the other knee, indicating injury to the LCL or posterolateral corner. The other descriptions resemble a valgus test (medial force to test the MCL), involve deep flexion not used here, or describe a posterior force for the PCL—these don’t match the varus protocol.