Thomas test

Thomas test is a physical examination test, named after Dr. Hugh Owen Thomas, a British orthopedic surgeon, used to rule out hip flexor tightness and hip extension contracture.

Overview

The Thomas test is performed to measure the flexibility of the hip flexors, which include the iliopsoas muscle, rectus femoris muscle, and sartorius muscle. If these muscles are tight, they can cause postural problems and pain. The test is named after Dr. Hugh Owen Thomas, a British orthopedic surgeon who was a pioneer in treating tuberculosis of the spine and hip.

Procedure

The patient lies supine on an examination table with the legs hanging off the end of the table. The examiner then passively flexes one of the patient's hips, bringing the knee to the chest. The patient is asked to hold the flexed knee against the chest, which flattens the lumbar spine against the table. If the opposite thigh lifts off the table, the test is positive for hip flexor tightness.

Interpretation

A positive Thomas test indicates tight hip flexors, which can contribute to lower back pain, hip pain, and postural problems. A negative test indicates normal flexibility of the hip flexors. The test can also be used to assess for hip extension contracture. If the patient's knee extends when the hip is flexed, this indicates a contracture of the rectus femoris muscle.

Limitations

The Thomas test has some limitations. It requires the patient to actively hold the flexed knee against the chest, which may be difficult for some patients. The test also relies on the examiner's ability to accurately assess the degree of hip flexion and knee extension.

See also

• Physical examination
• Hip flexors
• Hugh Owen Thomas
• Rectus femoris muscle
• Iliopsoas muscle
• Sartorius muscle

Thomas test Resources
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