What does a positive result on the varus stress test indicate?

A positive result on the varus stress test is indicative of a potential injury to the radial collateral ligament (RCL) of the elbow. During this test, pressure is applied to the lateral side of the elbow while the arm is in a slightly flexed position, which assesses the stability of the RCL. If the RCL is injured or sprained, the joint will show excessive lateral movement in response to this stress, indicating compromised integrity of the ligament.

Understanding the context of the test is crucial. Injuries such as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprains would typically be evaluated using a different test, like the valgus stress test, which assesses the medial side of the elbow. Similarly, a fracture would not be assessed through a stress test but rather through imaging techniques. An injury to the biceps tendon relates more to range of motion and strength assessments rather than a specific stress test like the varus. Therefore, recognizing that the varus stress test targets the RCL and reflects its condition is essential in athletic training practices.