Trokos

Test library › Foot, ankle & calf

Thompson (Simmonds) test

For: Achilles tendon rupture

A tear through the Achilles tendon, usually complete, typically during a sudden push-off. Often felt as a sudden pop, or as if kicked in the back of the heel.

Useful in both directions
Sensitivity96%
Specificity93%
LR+ (positive)13.71
LR− (negative)0.04

What the numbers mean

  • Positive result: a strong rule-in: a positive result makes the diagnosis much more likely.
  • Negative result: a strong rule-out: a negative result makes the diagnosis very unlikely.

Work out what a result means for your patient: probability calculator

Other tests in the library for Achilles tendon rupture

Source

Reiman M, Burgi C, Strube E, et al. The utility of clinical measures for the diagnosis of Achilles tendon injuries: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Athl Train. 2014;49(6):820–829. Full text (PubMed Central) · Single study (1998), in a 2014 review

Figures as they will appear in Rule It In, Rule It Out (Trokos, forthcoming). If a newer or better study changes them, this page changes with the book. Figures last updated from the book on 6 October 2026.

Get the book for spotting a high ankle sprain, and knowing when the Achilles is torn

This page gives the published figures. Rule It In, Rule It Out adds how to do this test, what counts as positive, how to read the result, and, where studied, whether combining it with other tests helps.

Coming in late 2026 as a PDF and a paperback. Join the list to hear when it's out

One study, one test, once a month

Rule It In is a free evidence letter for musculoskeletal clinicians: one recent study explained, one examination test with its real numbers. From Trokos, publisher of Rule It In, Rule It Out.