What does a positive Thompson test mean?

What does a positive Thompson test mean?

The feet extend farther than the end of the bed. The examiner then squeezes the calf muscle. This motion, in a normal patient, should cause the toes to point downward as the Achilles pulls the foot. In a patient with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the foot will not move. That is called a positive Thompson test.

What is the Thompson test used for?

The Thompson test examines the integrity of the Achilles tendon by squeezing the calf. It is performed as a clinical test to identify the presence of a complete Achilles rupture.

When should the Thompson test be used?

If the tendon is completely ruptured, no flexion will be observed as the muscle is no longer connected to the foot, resulting in a positive Thompson test. A false-negative test may also occur when the injury has healed on its own without proper medical or surgical management, or when treatment has been delayed.

What injury does a patient have if the Thompson test is positive?

The patient lies face down with feet hanging off the edge of the bed. If the test is positive, there is no movement of the foot (normally plantarflexion) on squeezing the corresponding calf, signifying likely rupture of the Achilles tendon.

What does a negative Thompson test mean?

When squeezing the right (unaffected) calf, the ankle spontaneously plantar flexed, indicating a negative (normal) Thompson test. Upon squeeze of the left (affected) calf, the ankle did not plantar flex, signifying a positive (abnormal) Thompson test.

Is Thompson test accurate?

The Thompson test is an accurate clinical test for diagnosing complete Achilles tendon ruptures. However, it might not be a useful test for diagnosing partial Achilles tendon ruptures.

How do you know if Achilles tendon is torn?

The doctor might ask you to kneel on a chair or lie on your stomach with your feet hanging over the end of the exam table. He or she might then squeeze your calf muscle to see if your foot will automatically flex. If it doesn’t, you probably have ruptured your Achilles tendon.