Valgus/Ulnar stress test Flashcards
What does the ulnar stress test diagnose?
Laxity / instability of ulnar collateral ligament
What is the rationale behind the ulnar stress test?
By applying valgus force to the wrist, the medial joint space is gapped & the ulnar collateral ligament is put under tension.
This may show laxity or reproduce symptoms
What does a positive result identify?
Instability of the ulnar collateral ligament
Procedure of the ulnar stress test
1) Explain & IC
2) Patient sat with elbow flexed to 90, forearm and palm resting face up on a table
3) Physio stabilises wrist proximal to joint line & applies valgus force onto hand (move into radial deviation)
4) Monitor the degree of gapping/laxity and observe the patient’s face for signs of discomfort
5) Compare to other side
Positive result of ulnar stress test
Laxity and / or pain over the ulnar border of the wrist joint
Suggest instability of the ulnar collateral ligament of the wrist.
Negative result of ulnar stress test
No demonstration of laxity or pain on testing.
Result: Laxity and / or pain over the ulnar border of the wrist
What does this mean?
Instability of the ulnar collateral ligament of the wrist.