Matles Test | Achilles Tendon Rupture/Tear Assessment

The Matles test is an orthopedic test to assess for Achilles tendon ruptures.

Matles originally described the knee flexion test in 1975. Reiman et al. (2014) conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis on clinical tests used in the diagnosis of Achilles tendon pathology. Their findings for this test? A sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 85%. The associated likelihood ratios would alter the post-test probability to a moderate degree and the included study had a fairly high risk of bias which is why the clinical value is at least moderate.

To conduct the test, the patient lies in prone position and is asked to flex the knees to 90°. You’re going to observe the position of the patient’s feet. In a positive test, the affected ankle will move into neutral or dorsiflexed position while with an intact tendon the foot will remain in slight plantarflexed position.

21 OF THE MOST USEFUL ORTHOPAEDIC TESTS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

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Other common tests for Achilles tendon ruptures:

• Thompson Test
• Gap Palpation Test
• Copeland Test

References

Maffulli N. The clinical diagnosis of subcutaneous tear of the Achilles tendon. The American journal of sports medicine. 1998 Mar;26(2):266-70.

Reiman M, Burgi C, Strube E, Prue K, Ray K, Elliott A, Goode A. The utility of clinical measures for the diagnosis of achilles tendon injuries: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of athletic training. 2014;49(6):820-9.

Matles, A. L. (1975). Rupture of the tendo achilles: another diagnostic sign. Bulletin of the Hospital for Joint Diseases, 36(1), 48-51.