Homan's Sign Test: Difference between revisions
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== Purpose<br> == | == Purpose<br> == | ||
Homan’s sign test also called dorsiflexon sign is a physical examination procedure that is used to test for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). It is a quick indicator of Deep Vein Thrombosis. Positive Homan’s sign in the presence of other clinical signs may be an indicator of DVT. Clinical evaluation alone cannot be relied on for patient management, but when carefully performed, it remains useful in determining the need for additional testing. <br> | |||
== Technique<br> == | == Technique<br> == | ||
1. In performing this test the patient will need to actively extend his knee. | |||
2. Once the knee is extended the examiner raises the patient’s straight leg to 10 degrees, then passively and abruptly dorsiflexes the foot and squeezes the calf with the other hand. | |||
3. Deep calf pain and tenderness may indicate presence of DVT. | |||
== Evidence == | == Evidence == | ||
Passive, abrupt and forced ankle dorsiflexion in concert with slight knee flexion causes mechanical traction on the posterior tibial vein. This traction stimulates the pain sensitive structures in the lower limb. | |||
Differential diagnosis of conditions that demonstrate a positive Homan’s sign include intervertebral disc herniation, ruptured Baker’s cyst, neurogenic claudication, gastrocnemius spasm, and cellulitis. | |||
== Precaution== | |||
Vigorous dorsiflexion of the foot is used by surgeons to expel clot from the veins and so this test may have its dangers | |||
== Resources == | == Resources == | ||
Revision as of 22:26, 1 July 2018
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Purpose
[edit | edit source]
Homan’s sign test also called dorsiflexon sign is a physical examination procedure that is used to test for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). It is a quick indicator of Deep Vein Thrombosis. Positive Homan’s sign in the presence of other clinical signs may be an indicator of DVT. Clinical evaluation alone cannot be relied on for patient management, but when carefully performed, it remains useful in determining the need for additional testing.
Technique
[edit | edit source]
1. In performing this test the patient will need to actively extend his knee.
2. Once the knee is extended the examiner raises the patient’s straight leg to 10 degrees, then passively and abruptly dorsiflexes the foot and squeezes the calf with the other hand.
3. Deep calf pain and tenderness may indicate presence of DVT.
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Passive, abrupt and forced ankle dorsiflexion in concert with slight knee flexion causes mechanical traction on the posterior tibial vein. This traction stimulates the pain sensitive structures in the lower limb.
Differential diagnosis of conditions that demonstrate a positive Homan’s sign include intervertebral disc herniation, ruptured Baker’s cyst, neurogenic claudication, gastrocnemius spasm, and cellulitis.
Precaution[edit | edit source]
Vigorous dorsiflexion of the foot is used by surgeons to expel clot from the veins and so this test may have its dangers
Resources[edit | edit source]
add any relevant resources here
