Performing the Test: Have the patient hop up and down on the affected limb several times barefoot. A large amount of pain in a localized area of the lower extremity is a positive test and may signify a fracture.
Diagnostic Accuracy: Unknown.
Importance of Test: Our bones are covered by a layer of tissue known as the periosteum. It is highly innervated and very sensitive to injury. When a bone is fractured, the periosteum is more easily stimulated and thus pain is experienced. By hopping on one leg, a large vibratory/compression force is sent through the limb that stimulates the injured site. It should be noted that the hop test can produce pain in non-musuloskeletal ailments as well, such as psoas abscess, appendicitis, etc. It is important to utilize your subjective history, tests and measures, and general systems screenings to triangulate your findings.
Note: these tests should only be used by properly trained health care practitioners.