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What Is a Thompson Achilles Tendon Test?

The Thompson Achilles test, sometimes called the Simmonds' test, is a medical examination performed on the lower limbs in order to diagnose Achilles tendon ruptures. The Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, connects the leg muscles to the foot.

  1. Procedure

    • The Thompson Achilles test requires the patient to lie prone on the exam table and flex the knee of the injured leg. The physician gently squeezes the calf muscles while watching for a flex response, called plantar flexion, in the foot.

    Normal Results

    • A normal test result occurs when the patient's foot moves when the calf muscles are squeezed. This indicates that the Achilles tendon is at least partially intact.

    Abnormal Test Results

    • An abnormal Thompson Achilles tendon test results in no flex response at all. This indicates an Achilles tendon rupture.

    Unclear Results

    • If the Thomson Achilles tendon test leads to unclear results, the doctor might ask for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or an ultrasound study to confirm an Achilles tendon rupture.

    Considerations

    • Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries in athletes. Symptoms include feeling a sharp pain in the Achilles tendon area followed by bruising, swelling and muscle weakness.

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