Which describes the protocol for the Thompson test?

Which describes the protocol for the Thompson test?

• A. With patient standing, squeeze the calf and observe plantarflexion
• B. With patient prone and feet over edge, examiner squeezes calf and observes plantarflexion
• C. With patient prone, the examiner taps the Achilles tendon while the foot is held in plantarflexion
• D. With patient seated, perform resisted plantarflexion while squeezing the calf

Answer: (B)

The test checks Achilles tendon integrity by using a calf squeeze to elicit plantarflexion. When the gastrocnemius–soleus complex contracts, the ankle should plantarflex if the Achilles tendon is intact. To perform it, the patient lies prone with the feet over the edge so the ankle is free to move and the calf can be squeezed. If the tendon is ruptured, squeezing the calf does not produce plantarflexion of the foot. This is why the described protocol matches the standard Thompson test: prone position with feet over the edge, calf squeeze, and observation of plantarflexion. Other options don’t fit because they use different positions or maneuvers (standing, tapping the tendon, or resisted plantarflexion) that do not specifically test the integrity of the Achilles tendon in the same way.

The test checks Achilles tendon integrity by using a calf squeeze to elicit plantarflexion. When the gastrocnemius–soleus complex contracts, the ankle should plantarflex if the Achilles tendon is intact. To perform it, the patient lies prone with the feet over the edge so the ankle is free to move and the calf can be squeezed. If the tendon is ruptured, squeezing the calf does not produce plantarflexion of the foot. This is why the described protocol matches the standard Thompson test: prone position with feet over the edge, calf squeeze, and observation of plantarflexion. Other options don’t fit because they use different positions or maneuvers (standing, tapping the tendon, or resisted plantarflexion) that do not specifically test the integrity of the Achilles tendon in the same way.