valgusvoim

Valgusvoim, or valgus force, refers to a mechanical load that tends to move a joint into a valgus alignment in the frontal plane. In the knee, this means forces that push the tibia laterally relative to the femur, or otherwise tilt the knee toward a knock-knee configuration. Valgus forces can be external, such as lateral impacts during sport, or internal, arising from movement patterns and muscle activation that generate a valgus torque around the knee.

Mechanisms and implications. External valgus forces often occur during contact or awkward landings, while internal valgus torque can result from weakness or imbalance in hip abductors, external rotators, or trunk muscles, combined with faulty limb alignment. In the knee, valgus loading increases stress on the lateral joint structures and opens the medial joint space, while placing tensile demand on the medial collateral ligament. Dynamic knee valgus during activities like jumping, cutting, or landing is a well-documented mechanism linked to injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, particularly in certain populations such as female athletes.

Assessment and measurement. Clinically, valgus stress can be evaluated with specific ligament tests (e.g., MCL stress) and by observing movement patterns. In research and practice, dynamic valgus is assessed as the knee’s frontal-plane angle during functional tasks, using video analysis or motion capture. External valgus loads may be estimated from kinetic data such as ground reaction forces and body segment accelerations.

Prevention and management. Interventions emphasize neuromuscular training to strengthen hip abductors and external rotators, improve core stability, and promote proper landing and cutting mechanics. Addressing alignment and foot function can also help reduce problematic valgus loading and related injury risk.