Execution
- 1Position the patient prone with the feet hanging over the end of the table or with the knee flexed to 90 degrees.
- 2Ensure the patient is relaxed.
- 3Squeeze the calf muscle belly of the tested side.
- 4Observe whether the ankle plantarflexes.
- 5Compare the response with the opposite side.
Positive outcome
Absence of plantarflexion when the calf is squeezed is positive for Achilles tendon rupture. A diminished but present response may occur with partial rupture or accessory plantarflexor contribution. The test is also known as the Simmonds-Thompson test.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maffulli (1998) | prospective clinical study | 96 | 93 | 13.7 | 0.04 |
CommentThe Thompson test is one of the strongest bedside tests for acute Achilles rupture. Maffulli's values support high rule-in and rule-out performance, but partial tears and chronic ruptures can be more difficult. Combine with Matles, gap palpation, and Copeland when the story is unclear.
High Clinical Value