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Heel Tap Test

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Other Names

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Demonstration of the heel percussion test[1]
Heel Thump Test[2]
  • Heel Percussion Test
  • Heel Thump Test
  • Calcaneal Tap Test
  • Heel Strike Test
  • Heel Tap Test

Purpose

  • Evaluate the Tibia for the presence of a stress fracture

Description

  • The patient is supine
  • Passively lift the limb 6 inches off the table, supporting the distal calcaneus
  • Strike the calcaneus directly with the palm of the hand
  • Positive Test
    • Reproduction of the patients symptoms

Modified Version

  • This test has also been described with the patient seated, legs hanging off table

Pathology

Evidence

Tibial Stress Fracture

  • Rosenthal et al[1]
    • Sensitivity: 17.1%
    • Specificity: 90.6%
    • PPV: 66.7%
    • NPV: 50%
    • PLR: 1.83
    • NLR: 0.91
    • Overall Accuracy: 52%

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Rosenthal, Michael D., Mitchell J. Rauh, and James E. Cowan. "Prospective Assessment of Clinical Tests Used to Evaluate Tibial Stress Fracture." Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine 10.9 (2022): 23259671221122356.
  2. ↑ Mulligan, Edward P. "Evaluation and management of ankle syndesmosis injuries." Physical Therapy in Sport 12.2 (2011): 57-69.
Created by:
John Kiel on 15 May 2023 06:03:15
Authors:
Last edited:
7 December 2025 14:26:02
Category:
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