Knee Varus Test
What is the "Knee Varus Test" used for?
- Integrity of the lateral collateral ligament
How to perform the "Knee Varus Test"?
- Patient is supine with the affected knee in full extension.
- Examiner stabilizes the affected leg in slight external rotation with one hand on the lateral malleolus.
- Examiner places their other hand on the medial aspect of the knee.
- Examiner applies a laterally directed (a varus) stress on the medial knee.
- Flex their knee to 30 degrees and apply the same pressure on the lateral side to isolate the lateral collateral ligament.
What is the positive result?
Positive Sign : Presence of pain and hypermobility at the lateral 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
- Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System, Third Edition book.
- Image: Reprinted from Smith BW, Green GA. Acute knee injuries: part I. History and physical examination. Am Fam Physician 1995;51:617.
- Varus Test of the knee | Orthofixar