Ankle & Foot
Structural & Biomechanical
Evidence: confirmed
Coleman Block Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Differentiating between flexible and rigid hindfoot varus deformities.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient stands with the heel and outer foot on a wooden block (2.5-4cm thick).
- Action: Allow the first metatarsal (big toe side) to drop off the edge of the block to touch the ground.
Interpretation of Results
- Flexible: The heel alignment corrects to neutral when the big toe drops.
- Rigid: The heel remains in varus (tilted inward) despite the change in position.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Coleman Block Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Ankle & Foot region, combining the Coleman Block Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment (7th ed.). Elsevier.
