During a varus stress test of the knee performed with the patient supine, which structure is most likely injured if laxity or pain is observed?

During a varus stress test of the knee performed with the patient supine, which structure is most likely injured if laxity or pain is observed?

• A. LCL tear
• B. ACL tear
• C. MCL tear
• D. Medial meniscus tear

Answer: (A)

The varus stress test targets the lateral structures of the knee, especially the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the posterolateral corner. When the knee is supine and you apply a varus force (pushing the knee inward while stabilizing the thigh), the lateral side is stressed. If there is laxity or pain on that side, it indicates damage to the LCL. The valgus stress test, not varus, assesses the medial collateral ligament. An ACL tear is evaluated with anterior laxity tests (like the Lachman or anterior drawer), and a medial meniscus tear typically presents with joint line tenderness and mechanical symptoms rather than isolated lateral laxity on this test. So, a positive varus stress test points most directly to an LCL injury.

The varus stress test targets the lateral structures of the knee, especially the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the posterolateral corner. When the knee is supine and you apply a varus force (pushing the knee inward while stabilizing the thigh), the lateral side is stressed. If there is laxity or pain on that side, it indicates damage to the LCL. The valgus stress test, not varus, assesses the medial collateral ligament. An ACL tear is evaluated with anterior laxity tests (like the Lachman or anterior drawer), and a medial meniscus tear typically presents with joint line tenderness and mechanical symptoms rather than isolated lateral laxity on this test. So, a positive varus stress test points most directly to an LCL injury.