Special Tests

Question 1

Ankle Drawer Test

Answer 1

Assess for integrity of anterior talofibular ligament

• therapist stabilizes the anterior distal tibia with one hand while holding the foot in 20 degrees of plantarflexion and draw the talus forward.

-positive sign is a dimple over the are of the anterior talofibular ligament or if pain is present

Question 2

Talar Tilt test

Answer 2

Assess for integrity of calcaneofibular ligament

-therapist grasps ankle with the thumbs on each side of the lateral malleolus on the talus and attempts to passively move the clients foot into inversion

-a positive sign is pain and mobility. when the foot is neutral it should resist inversion

Question 3

Squeeze test

Answer 3

assess for syndesmosis ankle sprain

-therapist grasps the tibia and fibula approx. mid calf and squeeze them together. apply the same pressure moving distally towards the ankle

• a positive sign is pain in the distal tibiofibular joint, then a possible syndesmotic injury may be present

Question 4

Morton’s test

Answer 4

assess for morton’s neuroma

-therapist grasps the clients foot from both sides and applies pressure squeezing the metatarsal heads together

• a positive sign is sharp shooting pain into the toes

Question 5

dorsiflexion eversion test

Answer 5

Assess for tarsal tunnel syndrome

-therapist passively moves the ankle into maximum dorsiflexion and eversion while the toes are held in hyperextension, hold for 5-10 seconds

• a positive sign is reproduction of the symptoms-sharp shooting pain around the medial ankle and plantar surface of the foot.

Question 6

Homans sign

Answer 6

Assess for deep vein thrombosis

-client lays prone, therapist abducts the patient’s leg and dorsiflexes the foot

• positive sign is pain deep in the calf, heat, and tenderness. leg may also be swollen

Question 7

tib. posterior compression test

Answer 7

assess for medial tibial stress syndrome

• therapist applies pressure to soft tissues along the posterior medial border of the tibia (lying with knee flexed)
• a positive sign is reproduction of pain

Question 8

achilles pinch test

Answer 8

achilles tendon rupture

• therapist grabs achilles tendon between thumb and first 2 fingers and squeezes
• a positive sign is lack of plantarflexion and pain

Question 9

thompson test

Answer 9

achilles tendon rupture

• therapist wraps full hands around the belly of the gastroc. The therapist squeezes thumb and finger together.
• positive sign is lack of plantarflexion

Question 10

windlass test

Answer 10

assess for integrity/extensibility of plantar fascia

-patient stand on stool with toes hanging off. maintain weight on the affected leg. therapist passively dorsiflexes the big toe

• positive sign in pain or increased pain at the insertion of the plantar fascia or lack of extension in the big toe may indicate hallux rigidus