Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Thompson Test

also known as Simmonds test; Simmonds-Thompson test
🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient lying prone and the feet hanging off the end of the table (or kneeling on a chair), squeeze the calf muscles. Normally the foot plantarflexes; a positive test is absence of plantarflexion when the calf is squeezed.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Thompson (Simmonds-Thompson, calf-squeeze) test positive
Rule in
Very helpful
Rule out
Very helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Reiman M, Burgi C, Strube E, Prue K, Ray K, Elliott A, Goode A. The utility of clinical measures for the diagnosis of Achilles tendon injuries: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Athl Train. 2014 Nov-Dec;49(6):820-829. PMID 25243736; PMC4264655; DARE NBK293406; DOI 10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.36.
  • Simmonds FA. The diagnosis of the ruptured Achilles tendon. Practitioner. 1957;179(1069):56-58.

Related Systems / Regions

Lower ExtremitiesMusculoskeletal

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Matles Test
Rule in:HAchilles Tendon Rupture (Complete)
Rule out:HAchilles 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)