TAP OR PERCUSSION TEST

TEST POSITIONING

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

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

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.

CONSIDERATIONS & COMMENTS

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