Medial valgus stress test (elbow)

Question 1

What does the Valgus stress test diagnose?

Answer 1

decreased integrity of medial collateral ligament of the elbow

Question 2

What’s the rationale behind the valgus stress test?

Answer 2

By applying valgus force & gapping the elbow joint line, the medial collateral ligament is put under tension. The more gapping occurs, the lower the integrity of the ligament.

Question 3

What does a positive result identify?

Answer 3

Medial collateral ligament laxity

Question 4

Procedure of the valgus stress test

Answer 4

1) Explain & IC
2) Patient lies face up on a plinth, shoulder slightly abducted & elbow flexed to 20 degrees
3) Physio supports arm proximal to elbow joint line and holds forearm midway down.
4) Valgus (inward) force is applied
5) Observe laxity & discomfort in patient face
6) Compare to other side

Question 5

Positive result of valgus stress test

Answer 5

Laxity and / or pain over the medial collateral ligament of the elbow
suggests instability of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow.

Question 6

Negative result of valgus stress test

Answer 6

no demonstration of laxity or pain on testing

Question 7

Result: Laxity and / or pain over the medial collateral ligament
What does this mean?

Answer 7

instability of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow