Thompson Test
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Search Strategy[edit | edit source]
I searched information about the Thompson test on google-books, where I found a lot information in scientific books. On Pubmed I found some articles about it.
Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
The Thompson test examines the integrity of the Achilles tendon and is performed as a clinical test to identify the presence of a complete tear of the tendon.
Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]
To make it more clearly, Simmonds and Thompson separated the M.Gastrocnemius tendon from the M. Soleus down to 10 cm above the Achilles tendon, because that is the place where the fibres form the tendon. By squeezing the calf, the M. Soleus deformed which made the overlying M. Gastrocnemius tendon to bow away from the Tibia which resulted in the plantar flexion. The M. Soleus did not move longitudinal, but the M. Gastrocnemius muscle moved about 1 cm proximally, as showed our ultrasound findings. This proves that the M. Soleus has to be 100% ruptured to get no plantar flexion.
The result of the Simmonds-Thompson test mainly gives an idea about the integrity of the M. Gastrocnemieus. Plantar flexion is caused by posterior flexing of the calf muscles and lesser by proximal movement of the bellies of the M. Gastrocnemius.
Examination [edit | edit source]
Simmonds described in 1957 how the rupture of the Achilles tendon could be tested by squeezing the calf muscles. Thompson however had noted this effect in 1955. The Simmonds-Thompson test is an indication for a possible complete rupture, but its mechanism is not clear. (1)
Simmonds and Thompson used an ultrasound to get dynamic images of the calfs of 2 young adults. With transverse compression, the M. Gastrocnemius moved proximally, according to the ankle movement. No proximal movement of the M. Soleus muscle could be seen. Using contrast liquid, Thompson and Doherty found out in 1962 that the squeezing test gave no plantar flexion when the M. Soleus muscle alone was divided (1).
1. Scott BW, Al Chalabi A. How the Simmonds–Thompson test works.
J Bone Joint Surg Br 1992;74:314-5.
Evidence[edit | edit source]
add links and reviews of high quality evidence here
Sensitivity= .96 -LR .04
Specificity= .93 +LR 13.7[1]
Resources
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Clinical Bottom Line[edit | edit source]
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ Flynn T, Cleland J, Whitman J. Users Guide to Musculoskeletal Examination: Fundamentals for the Evidence Based Clinician: Evidence in Motion;2008.
