What test is used to evaluate a suspected Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury?

The abduction (valgus) stress test is specifically designed to evaluate injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL). During the test, the examiner applies a valgus force to the knee while stabilizing the ankle, assessing the stability of the joint and any excessive movement that suggests ligamentous damage. If the MCL is compromised, there will likely be increased laxity or gapping on the medial side of the knee when the test is performed.

Other tests listed serve different purposes. The anterior drawer test assesses the integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the pivot shift test also evaluates ACL functionality related to rotational stability during specific movements. The posterior drawer test is focused on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), testing the ability of the PCL to resist posterior displacement of the tibia relative to the femur. Therefore, only the abduction (valgus) stress test is relevant for isolating and diagnosing MCL injuries.