Thompson Test assesses rupture of which structure?

Study for the NATA BOC Domain 2 Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Test. Utilize our comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice quiz features; each question comes with hints and thorough explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

Multiple Choice

Thompson Test assesses rupture of which structure?

Explanation:
Thompson test evaluates the Achilles tendon. When you squeeze the calf, the gastrocnemius-soleus complex contracts and pulls on the Achilles tendon to cause plantar flexion of the foot. If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, that force can’t be transmitted to the heel, so the foot does not plantar flex or does so only weakly. This makes the test a direct indicator of Achilles tendon integrity. The other structures listed—posterior tibial tendon, plantar fascia, and peroneus brevis—don’t mediate this particular reflexive plantar flexion, so their rupture wouldn’t produce the same absent plantar flexion response.

Thompson test evaluates the Achilles tendon. When you squeeze the calf, the gastrocnemius-soleus complex contracts and pulls on the Achilles tendon to cause plantar flexion of the foot. If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, that force can’t be transmitted to the heel, so the foot does not plantar flex or does so only weakly. This makes the test a direct indicator of Achilles tendon integrity. The other structures listed—posterior tibial tendon, plantar fascia, and peroneus brevis—don’t mediate this particular reflexive plantar flexion, so their rupture wouldn’t produce the same absent plantar flexion response.

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