Special tests Achilles tendon

Special tests Achilles tendon

Feel the gastrocnemius and soleus bellies and the whole length of the tendon for gaps (rupture), tenderness or swelling. Also Patrik Haglund , 1870–1937, Swedish orthopaedic surgeon. Theodore Campbell Thompson , 1902–1986, American orthopedic surgeon, made many contributions to orthopaedic surgery , especially in the field of post- polio deformities. Franklin Adin Simmonds , 1911–1983, orthopaedic surgeon, Rowley Bristow Hospital, Pyrford, UK. Sherman S Coleman , 1922–2004, Chief Surgeon, Intermountain Unit of the Shriners Hospital, and Chairman, Division of Orthopedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City , UT , USA. Ewan A Jack , 1909–1953, Scottish orthopaedic surgeon. identify the posterolateral (Haglund’s) prominence of the calcaneus and palpate the retro-Achilles bursa. The test for integrity of the tendon is the Thompson or Simmonds test. Do not be misled by the patient’s ability to stand on tiptoes – some people can do this using their long toe flexors alone. Lie the patient prone and allow their calves to rest on your forearms. Squeez e each calf in turn and watch for movement at the ankle joint. Lack of movement may indicate a rupture.

Figure 35.38 Testing subtalar joint motion.

Special tests Achilles tendon

Feel the gastrocnemius and soleus bellies and the whole length of the tendon for gaps (rupture), tenderness or swelling. Also Patrik Haglund , 1870–1937, Swedish orthopaedic surgeon. Theodore Campbell Thompson , 1902–1986, American orthopedic surgeon, made many contributions to orthopaedic surgery , especially in the field of post- polio deformities. Franklin Adin Simmonds , 1911–1983, orthopaedic surgeon, Rowley Bristow Hospital, Pyrford, UK. Sherman S Coleman , 1922–2004, Chief Surgeon, Intermountain Unit of the Shriners Hospital, and Chairman, Division of Orthopedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City , UT , USA. Ewan A Jack , 1909–1953, Scottish orthopaedic surgeon. identify the posterolateral (Haglund’s) prominence of the calcaneus and palpate the retro-Achilles bursa. The test for integrity of the tendon is the Thompson or Simmonds test. Do not be misled by the patient’s ability to stand on tiptoes – some people can do this using their long toe flexors alone. Lie the patient prone and allow their calves to rest on your forearms. Squeez e each calf in turn and watch for movement at the ankle joint. Lack of movement may indicate a rupture.

Figure 35.38 Testing subtalar joint motion.