Execution
- 1Position the patient sitting, supine, or standing depending on irritability and control.
- 2Stabilize the lower leg with one hand.
- 3Grasp the heel or foot with the other hand.
- 4Passively and forcefully moves the ankle into end-range dorsiflexion.
- 5Ask whether anterior ankle pain is reproduced.
Positive outcome
Reproduction of anterior or anterolateral ankle pain at end-range dorsiflexion is positive. Posterior calf stretch or generalized ankle tightness is not the same as impingement pain. Weight-bearing dorsiflexion pain may be more functionally relevant than non-weight-bearing pain.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liu et al. (1997) | component of clinical rule | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentForced dorsiflexion is a key provocation within Magee's anterolateral ankle impingement symptom cluster. It is plausible but not highly specific because talocrural restriction, synovitis, osteophytes, and syndesmosis irritation can all hurt in dorsiflexion. Interpret it with palpation, swelling, instability screen, and activity reproduction.
Low Clinical Value