Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Matles Test

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient lying prone, ask them to actively bend (flex) both knees to 90° and watch the resting position of the feet. With an intact Achilles the foot rests in slight plantarflexion; a positive test is the foot falling toward neutral or dorsiflexion (the “angle of dangle”).

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Matles test positive
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Maffulli N. The clinical diagnosis of subcutaneous tear of the Achilles tendon. A prospective study in 174 patients. Am J Sports Med. 1998 Mar-Apr;26(2):266-270. PMID 9548122; DOI 10.1177/03635465980260021801.
  • Matles AL. Rupture of the tendo Achilles: another diagnostic sign. Bull Hosp Joint Dis. 1975;36(1):48-51.

Related Systems / Regions

Lower ExtremitiesMusculoskeletal

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Thompson Test
aka Simmonds test; Simmonds-Thompson test
Rule in:VHAchilles Tendon Rupture (Complete)
Rule out:VHAchilles Tendon Rupture (Complete)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ankle Dorsiflexion-external Rotation Test
aka Kleiger test
Rule in:IEAnkle Syndesmosis Injury (High Ankle Sprain)
Rule out:IEAnkle Syndesmosis Injury (High Ankle Sprain)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ottawa Ankle Rule
Rule out:VHAcute Ankle or Midfoot Fracture
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Ankle jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, HUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, SHHypothyroidism +5 more
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, NHS1 Radiculopathy +4 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ottawa Knee Rule
Rule in:MHAcute Knee Fracture
Rule out:VHAcute Knee Fracture
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Patellar-pubic Percussion Test
aka Patellar-pubic percussion sign
Rule in:HHip Fracture (Radiologically Occult)
Rule out:VHHip Fracture (Radiologically Occult)