Thompson Test for Achilles Tendon Tear

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Thompson Test for Achilles Tendon Tear:

• The Thompson Test is a physical exam maneuver used to evaluate the Achilles tendon's integrity.
• The patient is positioned prone with feet hanging over the edge of the examination table
• The examiner squeezes the calf muscles of the affected leg and observe motion of the foot and compare it with the other side.
• A normal or negative Thompson test refers to plantar flexion of the foot on squeezing the corresponding calf muscles. This indicates an intact Achilles tendon.
• If the Achilles tendon is intact, squeezing the calf muscles causes a plantar flexion of the foot.
• A positive Thompson test refers to absence of plantar flexion of the foot. This indicates rupture of the Achilles tendon.

• If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, squeezing the calf muscles causes no motion of the foot.