Special Tests- Ankle

Question 1

what special test do you do for a lateral ligament sprain?

Answer 1

• Anterior Drawer Test

Question 2

what starting position is the participant in for the lateral ligament sprain special test?

Answer 2

• participant in supine with heel hanging off bed
• knee flexed to 30 degrees using a towel
• start with 15 degrees of plantarflexion

Question 3

where should be fixated? what does the other hand do in the lateral ligament sprain test and why?

Answer 3

• stabilise above the ankle (tibia/ fibula)
• other hand cups the calcaneus to prevent movement of the ankle

Question 4

what is the movement of the lateral ligament sprain test and why?

Answer 4

• pull calcaneus forward
• tests integrity of ATFL and anterior joint capsule

Question 5

when would the lateral ligament sprain test be positive?

Answer 5

• pain
• excessive laxity side to side (5mm of anterior motion)
• clunk

Question 6

what is the special test for a syndesmosis injury?

Answer 6

• squeeze test

Question 7

what is the starting position of the participant for the syndesmosis special test?

Answer 7

• participant sitting at the edge of the plinth
• with legs hanging off

Question 8

where do the hands go in the syndesmosis special test?

Answer 8

• cup both hands around patients lower leg

Question 9

what is applied in the syndesmosis special test? when do you stop?

Answer 9

• apply compression onto tibia & fibula
• apply same compression at more distal places
• repeat down to malleoli

Question 10

when is the syndesmosis special test positive?

Answer 10

• pain production at distal tibiofibular joint

Question 11

what does the syndesmosis special test showing tenderness more proximal indicate?

Answer 11

• indicates a more severe injury

Question 12

what is the special test for Achilles Tendinopathy?

Answer 12

• Thompson Test

Question 13

where does the pt start for the special test of Achilles Tendinopathy?

Answer 13

• pt starts in prone
• feet hanging off table

Question 14

what is the pt asked to do before the special test of Achilles Tendinopathy?

Answer 14

• pt asked to relax

Question 15

what should the therapist do in the special test of Achilles Tendinopathy?

Answer 15

• squeeze the belly of the calf muscle

Question 16

what should normally happen when performing this movement in the Achilles Tendinopathy test?

Answer 16

• should cause plantarflexion of ankle

Question 17

when is the Achilles Tendinopathy special test positive?

Answer 17

• positive when the foot doesn’t plantarflex