TAP OR PERCUSSION

TEST (Ankle)

​• Test positioning

The client lies supine with the affected leg extended and the ankle/foot just off the examining table.

The therapist stands at the end of the table next to the client's foot.

​• Action

The therapist positions the client's ankle into a maximal dorsiflexion to optimize joint congruency and applies a firm tap to the bottom of the client's heel.

​• Positive finding

Pain at the site of injury is indicative of a fracture.

The vibration of tapping along the long axis of the bones will exaggerate pain at the fracture site.

​• Special considerations & comments

This test should not be performed if there is an obvious deformity.

The Tap or Percussion Test is based on Dr. James Cyriax’s work in orthopedic evaluations, used to diagnose fractures by applying vibratory forces to the bone, which elicit pain at the fracture site.