Differential Diagnosis for Pain with Varus Stress Knee
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury: The MCL is the most commonly injured ligament with varus stress, as it is stretched or torn when the knee is subjected to a force that pushes the knee inward.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Lateral meniscal tear: A tear in the lateral meniscus can cause pain with varus stress, as the meniscus is pinched or compressed when the knee is subjected to this type of force.
- Lateral ligamentous sprain: Sprains to the lateral ligaments, such as the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) or the biceps femoris tendon, can also cause pain with varus stress.
- Osteoarthritis: Varus stress can exacerbate pain in patients with osteoarthritis, particularly if there is lateral compartment wear.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Fracture: A fracture of the distal femur, proximal tibia, or fibula can cause pain with varus stress and must be ruled out with imaging studies.
- Neurovascular injury: Injury to the peroneal nerve or vascular structures can occur with severe varus stress and must be promptly identified and treated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Osteonecrosis: Osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle or tibial plateau can cause pain with varus stress, although this is a less common condition.
- Tumor: A tumor in the distal femur, proximal tibia, or fibula can cause pain with varus stress, although this is a rare diagnosis.