Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Thompson Test

also known as Simmonds test; Simmonds-Thompson test; calf squeeze 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 when the foot does not plantarflex.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Thompson 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.
  • Thompson TC, Doherty JH. Spontaneous rupture of tendon of Achilles: a new clinical diagnostic test. J Trauma. 1962;2:126-129. PMID 13920945. doi:10.1097/00005373-196203000-00003.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Diagnoses

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Related Systems / Regions

Lower ExtremitiesMusculoskeletal

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Lower Extremity Inspection and Palpation
Rule in:VHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, VHKnee Osteoarthritis, HAchilles Tendon Rupture +7 more
Rule out:SHAchilles Tendon Rupture, SHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, SHKnee Osteoarthritis +7 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ankle Dorsiflexion-external Rotation Test
aka Kleiger test
Rule in:IEAnkle Syndesmosis Injury
Rule out:IEAnkle Syndesmosis Injury
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ottawa Ankle Rule
Rule in:IEAnkle Fracture, IEMidfoot Fracture
Rule out:VHAnkle or Midfoot Fracture, IEAnkle Fracture, IEMidfoot Fracture
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ottawa Foot Rule
Rule in:IEMidfoot Fracture
Rule out:VHMidfoot Fracture
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Ankle jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, ICHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Calf Circumference
Rule in:HLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHSarcopenia, MHDeep Vein Thrombosis +1 more
Rule out:SHSarcopenia, MHDeep Vein Thrombosis, MHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +1 more