What is the purpose of the valgus/varus stress test?

The valgus/varus stress test is specifically designed to evaluate the stability of the knee joint. This test assesses the integrity of the ligaments that provide support to the knee, particularly the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

During the test, a clinician applies a force to the knee in different directions while stabilizing the femur. A valgus stress test focuses on the medial side of the knee, checking for laxity in the MCL, while a varus stress test assesses the lateral side, looking for laxity in the LCL. If there is excessive movement or pain during these maneuvers, it suggests possible ligamentous injury, which can aid in diagnosing issues such as sprains or tears.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of joint assessment and do not pertain to the specific purpose of the valgus/varus stress test. Assessing mobility in the elbow, checking blood flow in the leg, or diagnosing ankle fractures involve different clinical evaluations and tests appropriate for those areas.