Ankle - Specialty Test

Question 1

Anterior Drawer Test (Ankle)

Answer 1

Place hand on posterior calcaneus (heel bone) and the other on the distal tibia/fibula. Provide anterior force on the calcaneus while stabilizing the tibia/fibia. Normal springing of the calcaneus back to neutral should occur

+Test = pain, excessive joint laxity, lack of springing back to neutral

Indicates = Anterior Talofibular Ligament tear/pathology (lateral ankle sprain)

Question 2

Talar Tilt Test

Answer 2

Grasp lateral calcaneus with one hand while stabilizing the tibia/fibia with the other hand. Block motion of calcaneus on the talus and invert the talus to evalute ROM

+Test = pain, excessive laxity

Indicates = Calcanofibular L. tear/pathology as well as possibley for ATF (lateral ankle sprain)

Question 3

Eversion Test

Answer 3

Grasp the plantar aspect of the foot with one hand while stabilizing the tibia/fibula with the other hand. Evert the foot to evaluate ROM

+Test = laxity, increased ROM

Indicates = Deltoid L. tear/pathology (Medial Ankle Sprain)

Question 4

Squeeze Test

Answer 4

Place both hands around the leg proximal to the ankle, making sure thenar eminences are against the tibia and fibula. Squeeze hands together for 2-3 seconds and then rapidly release

+Test = Pain at syndesmosis

Indicates = Syndesmosis pathology (HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN)

Question 5

Thompson Test

Answer 5

Think - Son of Thomas (thomas test being the one for the hip)

Patient prone with foot off the table. Grasp calf muscle and squeeze, looking for plantar flexion of the foot.

+Test = Absence of plantarflexion

Indicates = Achilles Tendon rupture

Question 6

Homans’ Sign

Answer 6

Patient lying or seated with knee extended. Dorsiflex the foot, apply lateral compression to the calf.

+Test = Pain with dorsiflexion (also look for edema, erythema, etc.)

Indicates = DVT (but need Venous Doppler to rule out clot)

*Not usually performed clinically to prevent embolus if DVT is present)