Windlass Test

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Original Editor - Alesha Walker, Bilitis Crokaert

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Search Strategy

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Purpose of the test

The Windlass test is designed to detect presence of plantar fasciitis.

Positive test: A positive test is defined as reproduction of pain at the medical calcaneal tubercle.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

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Performance of the test

Non-weight bearing: With the patient sitting, the clinician performs forceful great toe extension while stabilizing the ankle.

Weight bearing: With the patient in a weight bearing position, the clinician performs forceful great toe extension.

Diagnostic properties

Non-weight bearing:

Sensitivity: 0.18
Specificity: 0.99
Positive likelihood ratio: 16.21
Negative likelihood ratio: 0.82

Weight bearing:

Sensitivity: 0.33
Specificity: 0.99
Positive Likelihood Ratio: 28.70
Negative Likelihood Ratio: 0.68

Key Research

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Resources

Brown C. A review of subcalcaneal heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Aust Fam Physician. 1996;25:875–885.

De Garceau D, Dean D, Requejo SM, Thordarson DB. The association between diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and Windlass test results. Foot Ankle Int. 2003;24:251–255.

Clinical Bottom Line

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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