What interpretation is indicated by increased medial gapping on a valgus stress test?

What interpretation is indicated by increased medial gapping on a valgus stress test?

• A. Decreased medial gapping suggests MCL injury.
• B. No change in gapping suggests MCL injury.
• C. Medial gapping suggests meniscal pathology.
• D. Increased medial gapping suggests MCL injury.

Answer: (D)

Increased medial gapping on a valgus stress test means the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is torn or lax. The test applies a valgus force at the knee to push the inner side apart; the MCL normally resists this force and keeps the medial joint space tight. When the MCL is injured, it can’t restrain that opening, so the medial side gapes more than normal. That greater opening is the sign of MCL injury. If there’s no change or less opening, the MCL is likely intact. Medial gapping is not a typical indicator of meniscal pathology, which presents with joint line pain, locking, or catching rather than increased passive medial laxity.

Increased medial gapping on a valgus stress test means the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is torn or lax. The test applies a valgus force at the knee to push the inner side apart; the MCL normally resists this force and keeps the medial joint space tight. When the MCL is injured, it can’t restrain that opening, so the medial side gapes more than normal. That greater opening is the sign of MCL injury. If there’s no change or less opening, the MCL is likely intact. Medial gapping is not a typical indicator of meniscal pathology, which presents with joint line pain, locking, or catching rather than increased passive medial laxity.