Execution
- 1Position the patient with the elbow slightly flexed, about 20° to 30°, to unlock the olecranon.
- 2Stabilize the arm at the elbow with one hand.
- 3Place the other hand above the patient’s wrist.
- 4Apply an abduction or valgus force to the distal forearm.
- 5Palpate the medial collateral ligament and compare pain, laxity, ROM, and end feel with the opposite side.
Positive outcome
Excessive valgus opening, pain, instability, or a soft end feel is positive for medial collateral ligament sprain or tear. The test is most meaningful when compared with the contralateral elbow.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zwerus et al. (2018) — systematic review | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentMagee’s static valgus test checks medial ligament laxity, but subtle throwing-related MCL injury may be missed. Pain and laxity must be interpreted separately because pain may occur without measurable opening. Compared with the moving valgus stress test, diagnostic-accuracy support is weak.
Low Clinical Value