Understanding the Silfverskiold Test Assessment
To differentiate between **gastrocnemius tightness** (a two-joint muscle) and **soleus/capsular tightness** (one-joint structure) as the cause of reduced ankle dorsiflexion.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is supine or sitting.
What happens?
**Phase 1 (Gastrocnemius):** The examiner passively measures ankle dorsiflexion with the **knee fully extended**. **Phase 2 (Soleus/Capsular):** The examiner passively measures ankle dorsiflexion with the **knee flexed** (to slacken the gastrocnemius).
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
If **dorsiflexion increases** significantly in Phase 2 (knee flexed), the restriction is due to **Gastrocnemius Tightness**. If dorsiflexion **remains limited** in both positions, the restriction is likely **Soleus or Ankle Capsule Tightness**.
Helpful Tip:
This is a length assessment test, not an injury test.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other ankel Tests
Anterior Drawer of the Ankle
To assess the integrity of the **Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)**, the most commonly injured ligament in lateral ankle sprains.
External Rotation Stress Test (or Syndesmosis Ligament Test)
To assess the integrity of the **Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis** (the 'high ankle sprain' ligaments, including the AITFL and PITFL).
Figure of Eight Method of Measuring Ankle Joint Swelling
To quantitatively measure and track **ankle and foot edema (swelling)** volume over time.
Impingement sign ankle (Anterior Ankle Impingement)
To diagnose **Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome** (bony or soft tissue impingement at the front of the joint).