Varus/radial stress test

Question 1

What does the radial stress test diagnose?

Answer 1

Laxity / instability of radial collateral ligament

Question 2

What is the rationale behind the radial stress test?

Answer 2

By applying varus force to the wrist, the lateral joint space is gapped & the radial collateral ligament is put under tension.
This may show laxity or reproduce symptoms

Question 3

What does a positive result identify?

Answer 3

Instability of the radial collateral ligament

Question 4

Procedure of radial stress test

Answer 4

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 varus force onto hand (move into ulnar deviation)
4) Monitor the degree of gapping/laxity and observe the patient’s face for signs of discomfort
5) Compare to other side

Question 5

Positive result of radial stress test

Answer 5

Laxity and / or pain over the radial border of the wrist joint
Suggests instability of the radial collateral ligament of the wrist.

Question 6

Negative result of radial stress test

Answer 6

No demonstration of laxity or pain on testing.

Question 7

Result: Laxity and / or pain over the radial border of the wrist joint
What does this mean?

Answer 7

instability of the radial collateral ligament of the wrist