The valgus stress test measures ligament integrity in the knees and elbows and is performed in two ways. It is related to the varus stress test and can indicate damage to lateral ligaments. Other tests include the Tinel’s sign test to determine nerve damage.
The injury is the main reason a doctor may need to perform a valgus stress test on a patient. Used to measure the integrity of ligaments primarily in the knees and elbows, this test is typically performed in one of two ways when the patient is lying down, with the legs straight, and then about 30 degrees apart. While supporting the upper arm or thigh, the forearm or calf is forced out to the side as far as possible to see if any pulls or strains may have weakened the joint.
The valgus stress test is closely related to the varus stress test of the same joints. A valgus test measures damage to the lateral ligaments within the joint, which could lead to extended gaze at the elbows or knees. Conversely, the launch test determines whether damage has been sustained to the other side of those joints, creating a bowlegged position. This would be indicated by strain or deformity when stress is placed in the opposite direction as in the valgus test.
To perform a valgus stress test on the knee, for example, the patient is advised to lie down on a table. With the legs first straight and together, the doctor holds the thigh above the knee with one hand and the ankle with the other. Keeping the thigh stable, the ankle hand pulls slightly outward to gauge how much resistance is provided by the ligaments. The doctor then often tells the patient to spread their legs about 30 degrees to retest.
Doctors slightly modify the valgus stress test to do it on the elbow. Standing or sitting, the patient is asked to extend the arm along the side, palm facing out to show the forearm. Holding the bicep, the clinician’s doctor can then manipulate the joint for a varus or valgus stress test. Another test, called the lateral compression test, involves performing the valgus test at the elbow or knee while the limb being tested is slowly bent and extended.
For both the elbow and the knee, doctors have a few other tests to test joint health. A Tinel’s sign test is done on the elbow to determine if you feel tingling or pain when touching the median or ulnar nerves, which run from the shoulder to the fingertips. If so, this could indicate inflammation, injury, nerve damage, or more serious ailments like osteoarthritis or even a cancerous tumor.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
