Thompson Test
PURPOSE: To assess for achilles tendon rupture
TECHNIUE: The patient lies prone with their legs straight and their heels placed just over the edge of the table. The examiner then squeezes the gastrocnemius-solues complex. When the achilles tendon is intact, the patient should plantar flex the foot upon squeezing the gastroc-soleus complex. If the patient does not plantar flex the foot upon squeezing, the test is positive for achilles tendon rupture.[1]
EVIDENCE: Sensitivity= .96 -LR .04
Specificity= .93 +LR 13.7[2]
RESOURCES:
RESEARCH:
REFERENCES:
1. Konin JG, Wiksten DL, Isear JA, Brader H. Special Tests for Orthopedic Examination 2nd Edition: SLACK Incorporated; 2002.
2, Flynn T, Cleland J, Whitman J. Users Guide to Musculoskeletal Examination: Fundamentals for the Evidence Based Clinician: Evidence in Motion; 2008.