valgusvõimenduse

Valgusvõimenduse, also known as valgus stress test, is a physical examination maneuver used to assess the integrity of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee. The test is performed by a healthcare professional with the patient lying supine on an examination table. The examiner stabilizes the patient's ankle with one hand and places the other hand on the lateral aspect of the patient's knee, just above the joint line. With the knee slightly flexed (approximately 20-30 degrees), the examiner applies a valgus force, pushing the tibia laterally away from the femur. This action attempts to open up the medial joint space.

The examiner observes and palpates the medial joint line for any increased laxity or pain. A positive valgus stress test is indicated by excessive gapping of the medial joint line compared to the contralateral knee or a significant increase in pain on the medial side. The degree of laxity can be graded to help determine the severity of the MCL injury. A grade I sprain shows minimal laxity, grade II has moderate laxity with a firm endpoint, and grade III demonstrates significant laxity with a soft or absent endpoint. This test is a crucial component in diagnosing MCL injuries, which can occur in isolation or in conjunction with other ligamentous injuries of the knee.