Ankle & Foot
Structural & Biomechanical
Evidence: uncertain
Navicular Drop Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Quantifying the amount of foot pronation (flattening) during weight-bearing.
How to Perform
- Step 1: Mark the navicular tuberosity (bony bump on the inner foot).
- Step 2: Measure its height from the floor while the patient sits (non-weight bearing).
- Step 3: Measure the height again while the patient stands (weight bearing).
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: A difference (drop) of more than 10mm indicates excessive pronation.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Navicular Drop Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Ankle & Foot region, combining the Navicular Drop Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment (7th ed.). Elsevier.
