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.