Which test is used to assess the MCL by applying a valgus stress to the knee?

Which test is used to assess the MCL by applying a valgus stress to the knee?

• A. Thessaly test
• B. McMurray test
• C. Valgus stress test
• D. Varus stress test

Answer: (C)

Testing the medial collateral ligament involves applying a valgus stress to the knee, which opens up the medial joint space and stresses the MCL. The MCL runs along the inner side of the knee and resists forces that push the knee inward toward the other leg. When you apply this valgus force, a healthy ligament will limit the opening, while a torn or stretched MCL will show increased medial joint laxity and often medial knee pain. Clinically, you can perform the test with the knee near full extension to assess all stabilizing structures, or at about 25–30 degrees of flexion to better isolate the MCL. A positive result is greater medial joint laxity or reproduced medial knee pain compared with the other knee. This differs from the other tests: the Thessaly and McMurray tests are oriented toward diagnosing meniscal tears, often involving rotation and loading during flexion and extension; the varus stress test uses a varus force to stress the lateral collateral ligament on the outside of the knee.

Testing the medial collateral ligament involves applying a valgus stress to the knee, which opens up the medial joint space and stresses the MCL. The MCL runs along the inner side of the knee and resists forces that push the knee inward toward the other leg. When you apply this valgus force, a healthy ligament will limit the opening, while a torn or stretched MCL will show increased medial joint laxity and often medial knee pain. Clinically, you can perform the test with the knee near full extension to assess all stabilizing structures, or at about 25–30 degrees of flexion to better isolate the MCL. A positive result is greater medial joint laxity or reproduced medial knee pain compared with the other knee.

This differs from the other tests: the Thessaly and McMurray tests are oriented toward diagnosing meniscal tears, often involving rotation and loading during flexion and extension; the varus stress test uses a varus force to stress the lateral collateral ligament on the outside of the knee.