What test would indicate an injury to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL)?

The varus stress test is specifically designed to assess the integrity of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee. During this test, a force is applied to the knee that attempts to open it up on the medial side while the ankle is stabilized, simulating a stress that would occur in a lateral sprain. If the LCL is injured, this test will often result in increased laxity in comparison to the uninjured side, indicating a positive finding.

In contrast, the valgus stress test is used to evaluate the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the anterior drawer test assesses the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the pivot shift test serves to evaluate both the ACL and potential lateral instability during knee flexion. Each of these other tests focuses on different ligaments or mechanisms of injury within the knee, which is why they are not relevant for diagnosing an LCL injury. Understanding the specific purpose of each test is crucial for effectively assessing knee ligament injuries in an athletic training context.