Squeeze Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 1
Squeeze Test

What is the "Squeeze Test" used for?

  • The squeeze test (also known as the fibular compression test) is used for diagnosis of syndesmotic ankle sprains.
  • It is used alongside with the ankle external rotation test.

How to perform the "Squeeze Test"?

The test is performed by compresses the proximal fibula against the tibia with both hand of the examiner (or with the fist of one hand between the thumb and the four other fingers) to assess the integrity of the:

  1. Bones
  2. Interosseus membrane
  3. Syndesmotic ligaments.

What is the positive result?

  • The test is considered positive if Pain occurs with fracture or diastasis (Interosseus membrane or Syndesmosis injury).

Test Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 30 %
  • Specificity: 93 %

References

  • Orthofixar | Squeeze Test
  • Polzer, Hans & Kanz, Karl-Georg & Prall, Wolf & Haasters, Florian & Ockert, Ben & Mutschler, W. & Grote, Stefan. (2012). Diagnosis and treatment of acute ankle injuries: Development of an evidence-based algorithm. Orthopedic reviews. 4. e5. 10.4081/or.2012.e5. Link