Thomas test

The Thomas test is a test to assess hip flexor or psoas iliacus shortening. It can also indicate shortening of the quadriceps muscle.

• Required material: A physiotherapy couch.

• Procedure: The subject will lie on the stretcher in the supine decubitus position placing the gluteal area on the edge of the stretcher in such a way that the lower limb to be assessed is suspended, while the other is flexed by placing it close to the abdomen holding it with the hands.

• Assessment: The test is considered positive if the supported thigh of the assessed limb is raised (psoas iliacus shortening) and/or the knee tends to extension (quadriceps shortening).

• Remarks: If the patient presents an external rotation of the hip during the test we will speak of a shortening of the sartorius; if, in addition, the patient presents a hip abduction, we will speak of a shortening of the tensor fascia lata. These indications together with that of the quadriceps correspond to the modified Thomas test.