During a valgus stress test of the elbow, what is the position of the forearm?

In a valgus stress test of the elbow, the forearm is positioned in a supinated manner. This positioning is crucial because it allows the tester to accurately assess the integrity of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during the test. When the forearm is supinated, the natural alignment of the elbow joint is maintained, which enhances the effectiveness of applying a valgus force.

Supination keeps the radius and ulna in their proper anatomical positions, thus isolating the stress on the ulnar collateral ligament. This is essential for diagnosing any instability or potential injuries to the ligament. While the elbow can be tested in other positions, supination provides a clear and effective means to evaluate the specific structures involved without adding unnecessary stress to surrounding muscles or ligaments.

In contrast, other forearm positions such as pronated or neutral can alter the assessment dynamics, leading to ambiguous results regarding the status of the UCL. Maintaining an extended elbow joint further aids in isolating the stress being applied during the test, reinforcing the choice of supination for accurate evaluation.