Braverman's sign

Braverman's sign is a clinical sign which is used in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is named after Dr. Paul Braverman, who first described it in 1972. The sign is positive when there is pain in the calf or popliteal region upon dorsiflexion of the foot with the knee bent.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with a positive Braverman's sign may present with pain in the calf or popliteal region. This pain is elicited when the foot is dorsiflexed with the knee bent. The sign is considered positive if the patient experiences pain during this maneuver.

Diagnostic Value

While Braverman's sign can be useful in the clinical setting, it is not definitive for the diagnosis of DVT. Other diagnostic tests, such as a Doppler ultrasound, are often needed to confirm the diagnosis. However, a positive Braverman's sign can increase the suspicion for DVT and prompt further investigation.

Limitations

Braverman's sign is not always present in patients with DVT. Additionally, it can be positive in conditions other than DVT, such as muscle strain or Baker's cyst. Therefore, while it can be a helpful clinical sign, it should not be used in isolation to diagnose DVT.

See Also

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Doppler ultrasound
• Baker's cyst
• Muscle strain

References

• Braverman DL. Pain in the calf and popliteal region in dorsiflexion of the foot. A diagnostic sign of thrombosis of the deep veins of the calf. JAMA. 1972;221(2):192-193.

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