Homans sign: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| (One intermediate revision by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Homans' sign | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| image = | |||
| caption = | |||
| field = [[Vascular medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = Pain in the [[calf]] upon [[dorsiflexion]] of the [[foot]] | |||
| complications = | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = [[Deep vein thrombosis]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]] | |||
| differential = | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
'''Homans' sign''' is a [[medical]] [[sign]] that is often used to test for [[Deep vein thrombosis]] (DVT). It was named after [[John Homans]], an American surgeon who described the sign. However, it is no longer recommended for clinical use due to its poor sensitivity and specificity. | '''Homans' sign''' is a [[medical]] [[sign]] that is often used to test for [[Deep vein thrombosis]] (DVT). It was named after [[John Homans]], an American surgeon who described the sign. However, it is no longer recommended for clinical use due to its poor sensitivity and specificity. | ||
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
Homans' sign is defined as [[pain]] in the [[calf]] or [[popliteal region]] (the area behind the knee) upon forced [[dorsiflexion]] of the foot with the knee fully extended. This is thought to stretch the [[gastrocnemius]] and [[soleus muscles]], which may be tender if a clot is present in the deep veins of the calf. | Homans' sign is defined as [[pain]] in the [[calf]] or [[popliteal region]] (the area behind the knee) upon forced [[dorsiflexion]] of the foot with the knee fully extended. This is thought to stretch the [[gastrocnemius]] and [[soleus muscles]], which may be tender if a clot is present in the deep veins of the calf. | ||
==Clinical significance== | ==Clinical significance== | ||
While Homans' sign can be present in cases of DVT, it is not a reliable sign. Many patients with DVT do not have a positive Homans' sign, and many patients without DVT do have a positive Homans' sign. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in clinical practice. | While Homans' sign can be present in cases of DVT, it is not a reliable sign. Many patients with DVT do not have a positive Homans' sign, and many patients without DVT do have a positive Homans' sign. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in clinical practice. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Homans' sign was first described by John Homans in 1944. However, it has been largely replaced by more accurate diagnostic tests for DVT, such as [[ultrasound]] and [[D-dimer]] testing. | Homans' sign was first described by John Homans in 1944. However, it has been largely replaced by more accurate diagnostic tests for DVT, such as [[ultrasound]] and [[D-dimer]] testing. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Deep vein thrombosis]] | * [[Deep vein thrombosis]] | ||
| Line 18: | Line 37: | ||
* [[Ultrasound]] | * [[Ultrasound]] | ||
* [[D-dimer]] | * [[D-dimer]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Medical signs]] | [[Category:Medical signs]] | ||
[[Category:Deep vein thrombosis]] | [[Category:Deep vein thrombosis]] | ||
| Line 27: | Line 44: | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:00, 4 April 2025
| Homans' sign | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot |
| Complications | |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Deep vein thrombosis |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Homans' sign is a medical sign that is often used to test for Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It was named after John Homans, an American surgeon who described the sign. However, it is no longer recommended for clinical use due to its poor sensitivity and specificity.
Definition[edit]
Homans' sign is defined as pain in the calf or popliteal region (the area behind the knee) upon forced dorsiflexion of the foot with the knee fully extended. This is thought to stretch the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which may be tender if a clot is present in the deep veins of the calf.
Clinical significance[edit]
While Homans' sign can be present in cases of DVT, it is not a reliable sign. Many patients with DVT do not have a positive Homans' sign, and many patients without DVT do have a positive Homans' sign. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in clinical practice.
History[edit]
Homans' sign was first described by John Homans in 1944. However, it has been largely replaced by more accurate diagnostic tests for DVT, such as ultrasound and D-dimer testing.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
