Knee Valgus Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 3
knee valgus test

What is the "Knee Valgus Test" used for?

  • Testing for the integrity of the medial collateral ligament.

How to perform the "Knee Valgus Test"?

  • Patient  is supine
  • Place the affected leg in extension and slight external rotation.
  • Stabilize with one hand on the medial malleolus and with the other hand stabilize the lateral aspect of the knee.
  • Apply a medially directed stress on the lateral knee.

What is the positive result?

Positive Sign: Presence of pain and hypermobility at the medial aspect of the knee

The varus and Valgus Test of the knee can be graded by the following:

  • Grade I: The joint space opening is within 2 mm of the contralateral side.
  • Grade II: The joint space opens 3–5 mm more than the contralateral side in 20 degrees of knee flexion and less than 2 mm more than the normal knee in full extension.
  • Grade III: The joint space opens 5–10 mm more than that of the normal knee in 20 degrees of flexion and full extension.

References

  1. Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System, Third Edition book.
  2. Mark Dutton, Pt . Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention, 3rd Edition Book.
  3. The image: Reprinted from Smith BW, Green GA. Acute knee injuries: part I. History and physical examination. Am Fam Physician 1995;51:617.
  4. Valgus stress test of the knee | Orthofixar