How does the Thompson test assist in diagnosing an Achilles tendon injury?

How does the Thompson test assist in diagnosing an Achilles tendon injury?

• A. Lack of plantarflexion during the test suggests a rupture
• B. Excessive dorsiflexion indicates a tear
• C. Abnormal coloration of the calf muscle is observed
• D. Increased pain during active plantarflexion is noted

Answer: (A)

The Thompson test is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the integrity of the Achilles tendon. During the test, the patient lies prone while the examiner squeezes the calf muscle. A normal response is observed when the foot plantarflexes, indicating that the Achilles tendon is intact. If there is a lack of plantarflexion during the squeeze, this absence suggests that the Achilles tendon may be ruptured. This test hinges on the functional relationship between the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon. When the calf muscle contracts, it pulls on the Achilles tendon, causing plantarflexion at the ankle. A failure to observe this movement during the test strongly indicates a serious injury such as a rupture, as the skeletal mechanism is disrupted. Other options, while they may relate to certain signs or symptoms associated with Achilles injuries, do not accurately reflect the primary diagnostic utility of the Thompson test. For instance, excessive dorsiflexion is not a specific indicator of a tear, and abnormalities like calf discoloration or increased pain during active plantarflexion are not definitive results of the Thompson test itself, which specifically tests the reflexive response of the ankle to calf muscle contraction.

The Thompson test is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the integrity of the Achilles tendon. During the test, the patient lies prone while the examiner squeezes the calf muscle. A normal response is observed when the foot plantarflexes, indicating that the Achilles tendon is intact. If there is a lack of plantarflexion during the squeeze, this absence suggests that the Achilles tendon may be ruptured.

This test hinges on the functional relationship between the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon. When the calf muscle contracts, it pulls on the Achilles tendon, causing plantarflexion at the ankle. A failure to observe this movement during the test strongly indicates a serious injury such as a rupture, as the skeletal mechanism is disrupted.

Other options, while they may relate to certain signs or symptoms associated with Achilles injuries, do not accurately reflect the primary diagnostic utility of the Thompson test. For instance, excessive dorsiflexion is not a specific indicator of a tear, and abnormalities like calf discoloration or increased pain during active plantarflexion are not definitive results of the Thompson test itself, which specifically tests the reflexive response of the ankle to calf muscle contraction.