Which test is used to evaluate for a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury?

The abduction (valgus) stress test is specifically designed to evaluate the integrity of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in the knee. During this test, the examiner applies a lateral (outward) force to the knee while observing for valgus movement at the joint. If the MCL is injured, there will be increased laxity on the medial side of the knee, and the test may reproduce pain or instability, indicating an MCL injury. This test effectively isolates the function of the MCL, making it the preferred choice for diagnosis in cases of suspected injury to that ligament.

In contrast, the anterior drawer test is primarily used to assess the stability of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), while the pivot shift test also evaluates ACL integrity but focuses on joint stability and the presence of a rotatory component. The great toe flexion test is unrelated to knee injuries and assesses the function of the flexor hallucis longus muscle and tendon. Therefore, the abduction (valgus) stress test is the most relevant and appropriate choice for evaluating an MCL injury.