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

1. Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System, Third Edition book.
2. Image: Reprinted from Smith BW, Green GA. Acute knee injuries: part I. History and physical examination. Am Fam Physician 1995;51:617.
3. Varus Test of the knee | Orthofixar