Silfverskiold Test

Other Names

Silfverskiöld test reveals gastrocnemius tightness when there is an equinus deformity with knee extended (a) which disappears when the knee is flexed (b).

• Silfverskiold Test

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Purpose

• Designed to differentiate gastrocnemius versus soleus contraction
• Assess equinus

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Description

• In the first part, manipulate the subtalar joint into neutral position,
• Evaluate the amount of passive dorsiflexion available to the patient with the knee in full extension
• Repeat this with the knee flexed to 30°
• If passive dorsiflexion is limited with the knee extended, corrected with the knee flexed
  • Indicative of isolated gastrocnemius equinus.
• If passive dorsiflexion is limited with both the knee extended and flexed,
  • indicative of gastroc-soleal equinus

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Pathology

• Calf Strain
• Plantar Fasciopathy
• Achilles Tendon Contracture

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Leg Pain (Main)
• Ankle Pain (Main)
• Physical Exam Ankle

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