Ankle Special Tests

Question 1

Ankle Anterior Drawer Test

Answer 1

o One hand steadies tibia and fibula while the other hand grabs the talus and calcaneus
o Pull talus anteriorly to put stress on anterior talofibular ligament
o Positive test would be pain or increased laxity when compared bilaterally

Question 2

Taler Tilt

Answer 2

o One hand stabilizes the tibia and fibula while the other hand grabs talus and calcaneus
o Forearm keeps foot in neutral position
o Move foot into eversion to test integrity of deltoid ligament
o Move foot into inversion to test integrity of calcaneofibular ligament
o Positive test would be pain or increased laxity in both regions

Question 3

Kleiger Test

Answer 3

o High ankle sprain test
o One hand grasping the metatarsals while the other stabilizes the ankle
o Put foot into slight dorsiflexion and rotate foot externally to spread tibia and fibula
o Positive test would be pain in the anterior/superior part of the ankle and in the interosseous membrane

Question 4

Thompson Test

Answer 4

o Testing the Achilles tendon
o Squeeze the calf muscle and the tendon should tighten
o Positive test is the foot does not move

Question 5

Peroneal Nerve Tap Test

Answer 5

Tap behind the fibular head; looking for increase in radicular signs and symptoms down the peroneal nerve distribution

Question 6

Posterior Tibial Nerve Tap Test

Answer 6

o Tapping either anterior or posterior to the medial malleolus
o Testing for nerve damage
o Positive test would be tingling/numbness felt distally