A positive varus laxity indicates injury to which ligament?

A positive varus laxity indicates injury to which ligament?

• A. RCL tear
• B. UCL tear
• C. MCL tear
• D. LCL tear

Answer: (A)

A positive varus laxity points to injury of the lateral collateral ligament complex, with the radial collateral ligament (RCL) being the primary restraint to varus stress at the elbow. When the elbow is stressed in varus, the lateral side opens if the RCL is torn, producing laxity. In contrast, injuries to the medial collateral ligament (UCL/MCL) produce valgus instability, not varus. While the broader lateral collateral ligament complex can contribute to varus instability if torn, the most dorsal answer centers on the radial collateral ligament as the key structure resisting varus force.

A positive varus laxity points to injury of the lateral collateral ligament complex, with the radial collateral ligament (RCL) being the primary restraint to varus stress at the elbow. When the elbow is stressed in varus, the lateral side opens if the RCL is torn, producing laxity. In contrast, injuries to the medial collateral ligament (UCL/MCL) produce valgus instability, not varus. While the broader lateral collateral ligament complex can contribute to varus instability if torn, the most dorsal answer centers on the radial collateral ligament as the key structure resisting varus force.