Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Heel-to-shin

also known as Heel-knee-shin test

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Ask the patient to place one heel on the opposite knee and slide it smoothly down the shin toward the ankle, then return and repeat. Watch for smoothness and accuracy of the movement, including any wavering off the shin or jerky, irregular tracking.

How to Interpret

This test’s findings are all below your current evidence filter.

References

Thaller M, Hughes T. Inter-rater agreement of observable and elicitable neurological signs. Clin Med (Lond). 2014;14(3):264-267. PMID 24889570. PMC4952538.
McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

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