A positive test has been reported to indicate a complete rupture of the tendon,4 and the cited mechanical reason for the positive test (complete rupture) is the loss of integrity of the soleal part of the tendon.
How accurate is the Thompson test?
The sensitivity of the Thompson’s test for the diagnosis of a complete Achilles tendon rupture is 96-100% and the specificity is 93-100%, but data is limited.
How do you diagnose an Achilles tendon rupture?
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.
Can the Thompson test be wrong?
A study published in Clinics of Orthopedic Surgery has shown that false-negative Thompson tests account for 25% of neglected Achilles tendon ruptures. According to this study, a false-negative test result may happen when other muscles and tendons still allow plantar flexion in spite of the ruptured Achilles tendon.
Can you still walk with a ruptured Achilles tendon?
Patients with rupture of the Achilles tendon can still walk. Patients with rupture of the Achilles tendon can still actively move the ankle up and down. Patients with an Achilles tendon rupture may even manage to stand on tiptoes (on both feet together — though not on the injured limb alone).
Can a ruptured Achilles tendon heal itself?
Treating Achilles tendon tears If the ruptured ends of the tendon can reseal themselves quickly after the injury and the ankle is properly immobilized, it may heal on its own. Usually, the best position for healing is with the toes pointing down for one to two months.
Can you walk with torn Achilles?
When to consider a Simmonds Thompson test positive?
Simmonds-Thompson test result should be considered positive when the physical response to calf squeezing is aberrant and the foot fails to plantarflex owing to incongruity of the Achilles tendon, indicative of rupture 1957 – Sam Simmonds described a test for Achilles tendon integrity consisting of two signs:
What do you need to know about Thompson’s test?
Then squeeze the calf muscles to indirectly plantar flex the foot (in the healthy adult). A positive Thompson test can be acknowledged if the foot does not plantar flex. A positive Thompson test helps confirm the diagnosis of a ruptured Achilles tendon, but is not definitive.
When is a Thompson test positive for a torn Achilles tendon?
In a patient with a ruptured Achilles tendon, the foot will not move. That is called a positive Thompson test. 2 . The Thompson test is important because some people who tear their Achilles are still able to point their toes downwards, although the Thompson test would still be positive.
When is the Thomas test positive or negative?
Interpretation. The Thomas test is negative when the subject’s lower back and the sacrum is able to remain on the table. The hip can make a 10° posterior tilt or a 10° hip extension. The knee must be able to make a 90° flexion. The test is positive when:
