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The Curious Bag
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A tear in the Achilles tendon will impact the ability of the calf muscle to extend the ankle joint and flex the foot. A Thompson test will be used to diagnose problems with the Achilles tendon.
Function
The Thompson test is used to diagnose a tear in the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel.
Procedure
In the Thompson test the patient lies face down on a table, with the foot dangling loosely off the edge of the table. The physician squeezes the patient's calf muscle and watches for movement of the patient's foot.
Positive Test
A positive test occurs when the patient's foot does not move when the calf is squeezed. The positive test indicates a complete tear in the Achilles tendon.
Negative Test
The Thompson test is considered negative when the toe points after squeezing the calf. The flexion of the patient's foot indicates that the Achilles tendon is at least partially intact.
Considerations
The Thompson test may not always produce accurate results. If the results of the Thompson test are unclear, an ultrasound or MRI can be done to diagnose the extent of a tear in the Achilles tendon.
Source:
Athletic Advisor: Achilles Ruptures
American Academy of Family Physicians: Common Conditions of the Achilles Tendon
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