Simmonds' test is used in lower limb examination to test for the rupture of the achilles tendon

Achilles tendon rupture

The Achilles tendon is the most commonly injured tendon. Rupture can occur while performing actions requiring explosive acceleration, such as pushing off or jumping...

. The patient lies face down with feet hanging off the edge of the bed. If the test is positive, there is no movement of the foot (normally plantarflexion

Plantarflexion

Plantarflexion is the movement which increases the approximate 90 degree angle between the front part of the foot and the shin, as when depressing an automobile pedal...

) on squeezing the corresponding calf, signifying likely rupture of the achilles tendon.

Interpretation of results

The simmonds' test has a positive predictive value

Positive predictive value

In statistics and diagnostic testing, the positive predictive value, or precision rate is the proportion of subjects with positive test results who are correctly diagnosed. It is a critical measure of the performance of a diagnostic method, as it reflects the probability that a positive test...

 of 13.7 and a negative predictive value

Negative predictive value

In statistics and diagnostic testing, the negative predictive value is a summary statistic used to describe the performance of a diagnostic testing procedure. It is defined as the proportion of subjects with a negative test result who are correctly diagnosed. A high NPV means that when the test...

 of less than 0.1.

History

It is named after Franklin Adin Simmonds

Franklin Adin Simmonds

Franklin Adin Simmonds F.R.C.S. was a British orthopaedic surgeon for whom the Simmonds' test on rupture of the Achilles Tendon is named...

 (1911-1983), an English orthopaedic surgeon at the Rowley Bristow Hospital, Surrey.