Perthes test

Perthes test is a clinical examination procedure used to evaluate the competency of the deep and superficial veins of the lower extremities. It is named after the British surgeon, Sir John Perthes, who first described the test in 1908.

Procedure

The Perthes test is performed with the patient in a standing position. The examiner first applies a tourniquet around the upper thigh to occlude the superficial veins but not the deep veins. The patient is then asked to walk around. If the deep veins are competent, the blood will be able to return to the heart via the deep venous system, and the varicose veins will not fill. If the deep veins are incompetent, the varicose veins will fill from below.

Interpretation

The Perthes test is positive if the varicose veins fill from below while the tourniquet is in place, indicating incompetence of the deep veins. The test is negative if the varicose veins do not fill, indicating that the deep veins are competent.

Limitations

The Perthes test has several limitations. It can only be used to evaluate the competency of the deep veins in the lower extremities. It cannot be used to evaluate the competency of the superficial veins or the perforating veins. Furthermore, the test may not be accurate in patients with severe varicose veins or in patients with deep vein thrombosis.

See also

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins
• Venous insufficiency

References

• Perthes, G. (1908). Über Operationen bei Unterschenkelvaricen und ihre Ergebnisse. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Chirurgie, 93(3-4), 266-282.

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