Elbow Varus Stress

Purpose[edit | edit source]

The purpose of the varus stress test of the elbow is to assess the integrity of lateral collateral ligament.

Elbow Ligaments

Technique[edit | edit source]

With the patient is standing, the therapist places the patient's elbow in slight flexion while palpating the humeroulnar joint line.  The therapist then applies a varus force to the elbow.  This test is considered positive if the patient experiences pain or excessive laxity is noted and compared to the contralateral side.[1]  The test can be repeated in varying degrees of elbow flexion, but generally it is positioned between 5 and 30 degrees.[2]

[3]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Flynn, T.W., Cleland, J.A., Whitman, J.M. (2008). User's guide to the musculoskeletal examination: Fundamentals for the evidence-based clinician. Buckner, Kentucky: Evidence in Motion
  2. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
  3. CR Technologies. Varus Stress Test - Elbow (CR). Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcIGQ7daGek [last accessed 26/03/14]