Which special test is MOST appropriate to screen for an Achilles tendon rupture in an athlete who suddenly collapses after a jump shot?

• A. O'Brien needle test
• B. Anterior drawer test
• C. Thompson test
• D. Homans' sign

Answer: (C)

The test you’d use to screen for an Achilles tendon rupture is the Thompson test, also known as the calf squeeze test. In an athlete who suddenly collapses after a jump shot, this test quickly checks whether the Achilles tendon can transmit the muscle’s force to the foot.

How it works: have the patient lie prone with the leg relaxed. Squeeze the calf (gastrocnemius-soleus). If the Achilles tendon is intact, the foot will plantarflex (point downward) in response to the squeeze. If the tendon is ruptured, there’s little to no plantarflexion because the tendon can’t transmit that force.

This makes the test the best choice for this scenario because it directly assesses Achilles tendon integrity at the bedside. The other tests are for different conditions (shoulder pathology, ankle ligament stability, or deep vein thrombosis) and don’t help evaluate the suspected rupture.