COMLEX USA 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The Thompson test is specifically designed to assess the integrity of the Achilles tendon. This clinical examination involves the patient lying face down with their feet hanging off the edge of an examination table. The examiner then squeezes the calf muscle. In a healthy individual with an intact Achilles tendon, squeezing the calf will cause the foot to plantarflex (point downward) due to the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, this plantarflexion response would be absent, indicating a loss of function.

The other options reference different assessments that are not related to the Thompson test. IT band tightness involves mechanisms related to hip and knee motion and is typically assessed using other specific clinical tests. Fracture of the talus and patella tracking pertain to issues involving specific bones and their movement rather than tendon integrity and are evaluated using separate diagnostic methods. Thus, the Thompson test is specifically linked to the condition and functionality of the Achilles tendon.