Test: Varus Stress Test - Knee 30 Degrees

Video Link

Background/Purpose

This test assess one plane lateral instability. By applying a varus (adduction) stress on the knee at 20-30 degrees of flexion. The lateral tibia opens (gaps) away from the femur. This puts stress on the lateral compartment of the knee joint including:
Lateral collateral ligament, Posterior cruciate ligament, Posteromedial capsule.

Procedure

The clinician pushes the knee laterally while in a knee flexed position of 20-30 degrees while the ankle is stabilized in slight medial rotation. The test should not have an increased amount of motion relative to the opposite side and no lateral knee pain.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Lateral knee is stressed with medial tibia movement at 30 degrees flexion.

Criteria

• No pain in lateral knee
• Symmetric (minimal) gapping

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail