Orthopedic Diagnosis: Foot and Ankle

Question 1

Drawer Sign

Answer 1

• Positive: Translation with the talus moving away from or toward the tibia
  
  1. With the tibia pushed/foot pulled
     
     • Indicates: A tear/instability of the anterior talofibular ligament
  2. With the tibia pulled/foot pushed
     
     • Indicates: A tear/instability of the posterior talofibular ligament

Question 2

Anterior Drawer Sign of the Ankle

Answer 2

• Positive: Translation with the talus moving away from or toward the tibia
  
  1. With the tibia pushed/foot pulled
     
     • Indicates: A tear/instability of the anterior talofibular ligament
  2. With the tibia pulled/foot pushed
     
     • Indicates: A tear/instability of the posterior talofibular ligament

Question 3

Ankle Dorsiflexion Test

Answer 3

1. Positive: The foot cannot dorsiflex with the knee extended but is able to with the knee flexed
   
   • Indicates: Contracture of the gastrocnemius muscle
2. Positive: The foot cannot dorsiflex in either knee position
   
   • Indicates: Contracture of the soleus muscle

Question 4

Rigid or Supple Flat Feet Test

Answer 4

1. Positive: Absence of medial longitudinal arch in both positions
   
   • Indicates: Rigid flat feet
2. Positive: Presence of medial longitudinal arch while seated with a loss of medial longitudinal arch while standing
   
   • Indicates: Supple flat feet

Question 5

Homans Sign

Answer 5

• Positive: Deep pain in the calf
  
  • Indicates: Deep vein thrombophlebitis

Question 6

Thompson Test

Answer 6

• Postive: Absence of foot plantarflexion motion
  
  • Indicates: Achilles tendon rupture

Question 7

Morton Test

Answer 7

• Positive: Sharp pain in the forefoot
  
  • Indicates: Metatarsalgia or neuroma (usually at the 3^rd and 4^th metatarsal interspace)

Question 8

Tinel Foot Sign

Answer 8

• Positive: Paresthesia radiating into the foot
  
  • Indicates: Tarsal tunnel syndrome