Execution
- 1Position the patient’s elbow slightly flexed, about 20° to 30°.
- 2Stabilize the elbow with one hand.
- 3Place the other hand on the distal forearm.
- 4Apply an adduction or varus force while palpating the lateral collateral ligament.
- 5Repeat the stress with increasing pressure and compare pain, laxity, ROM, and end feel with the opposite side.
Positive outcome
Excessive laxity, pain, or a soft end feel is positive for lateral collateral ligament injury. A severe varus-laxity finding may also indicate posterolateral elbow instability.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zwerus et al. (2018) — systematic review | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentMagee notes that Regan and Morrey advocated testing varus stress with the humerus in full internal rotation. Static varus stress is clinically useful for gross laxity, but subtle PLRI usually needs dynamic apprehension testing. Treat mild asymmetry cautiously.
Low Clinical Value