Valgus and varus movements

Genu valgum is the clinical term for "knock-knee". The medial collateral ligament limits this movement, so a valgus stress is placed on the knee to test the integrity of this ligament.

Genu varus is the clinical term for "bow-leg". The lateral collateral ligament limits this movement, so a varus stress is placed on the knee to test the integrity of this ligament