Thompson Test for Achilles tendon tear

Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA

 

Thompson Test

Purpose

The Thompson test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess the:

Integrity of the Achilles tendon

Patient Position

• Patient lies prone.
• Feet are allowed to hang over the edge of the examination table.

Technique

1. Examiner squeezes the calf muscles of the affected leg.
2. Observe movement of the foot.
3. Compare with the opposite side.

Normal Test

Squeezing the calf produces:

Plantar flexion of the foot

This indicates an intact Achilles tendon.

Positive Thompson Test

A positive test is:

Absence of plantar flexion when the calf is squeezed

This indicates an Achilles tendon tear/rupture.

One-line Viva Answer

Thompson test assesses Achilles tendon integrity: with the patient prone and the foot hanging over the table, squeezing the calf normally produces plantar flexion; absence of plantar flexion indicates Achilles tendon rupture.

Quick Recall

Prone – foot over edge  -squeeze calf – no plantar flexion = Achilles tendon rupture.