Dorsiflexion Compression Test Special Test

What is it used for?

• Diagnosing Syndesmosis Injury (High Ankle Sprain).
• Differentiating syndesmosis pain from other ankle pain.

How to Perform

• Step 1: Patient stands and lunges forward into maximum ankle dorsiflexion. Note if this causes pain.
• Step 2: Examiner uses both hands to firmly compress the medial and lateral malleoli (ankle bones) together.
• Step 3: While maintaining this compression, the patient lunges into dorsiflexion again.

Interpretation of Results

• Positive Test: The pain felt in Step 1 is significantly decreased or eliminated during Step 2 (compression stabilizes the separation, reducing pain).

References

• Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment (7th ed.). Elsevier.