Elbow
Elbow varus stress test
- What you examine
- Integrity of the radial collateral ligament.
- Procedure
- Fix the upper arm and apply varus to the forearm, again in full extension and at 20 to 30 degrees of flexion.
- Positive when
- More lateral gapping than on the other side, or recognisable lateral pain.
- What the test is worth
- Less often positive than the valgus test, because the lateral ligament is far less loaded in daily use.
- Caution
- Lateral instability more often follows a dislocation or surgery in the area than overload.
- Joint
- Elbow joint
- Body region
- Elbow