Ankle/foot Special Tests

Question 1

List the tests used to assess ligamentous instability of the ankle/foot?

Answer 1

1. Anterior drawer test
2. Talar tilt
3. Medial Subtalar glide test

Question 2

List the tests used to assess syndesmosis instability/pain at the ankle/foot.

Answer 2

1. External rotation stress (kleiger) test
2. Dorsiflexion—external rotation stress test
3. Squeeze Test

Question 3

A therapist hypothesizes that his patient may have an achilles’ tendon rupture. What test should be used to confirm his hypothesis?

Answer 3

Thompson’s test

Question 4

List the tests used to assess plantar fasciitis.

Answer 4

1. Windlass test
   A. WB test
   B. NWB test

Question 5

What ligament is being tested when using the Anterior drawer test at the ankle?

Answer 5

At 20 degrees PF, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is being assessed.

At 0 degrees DF, the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) is being assessed.

Question 6

A physical therapist has decided to use the talar tilt special test. What ligament would the therapist be assessing with this test?

Answer 6

Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)—move foot into maximal adduction to stress this ligament

Question 7

During the talar tilt test a therapist maximally abduction the foot, which ligament is being stressed in this position?

Answer 7

Stresses the deltoid ligament

Question 8

A physical therapist just discovered that his patient presents with a positive Thompson’s test. What should the therapists next action entail?

Answer 8

The therapist should immediately refer the patient to an orthopedic surgeon for immediate immobilization and surgical repair