VARUS STRESS TEST

(Knee)

​• Test positioning

The client lies supine with the knee in full extension.

The therapist stands with the distal hand on the client's lateral ankle and the proximal hand on the knee (medially).

​• Action

With the ankle stabilized, apply a varus force at the knee with the proximal hand.

This is performed with the knee in full extension and repeated with the knee in 20 to 30-degrees of knee flexion.

​• Positive finding

Lateral knee pain and/or increased varus movement with a diminished or absent endpoint as compared to the uninvolved knee is indicative of damage to primarily the 1CL, PCL, and arcuate complex when found at full extension, and LCL when tested at 20 to 30-degrees of flexion.

​• Special considerations & comments

The therapist must avoid allowing the femur to internally or externally rotate during this test, as this may give the illusion of increased varus movement.

This may be accomplished by using the treatment table to help stabilize the client's femur.