What does a positive Homan's sign indicate?

What does a positive Homan's sign indicate?

• A. Pain in the calf or popliteal region
• B. Swelling in the ankle
• C. Numbness in the foot
• D. Discomfort when standing

Answer: (A)

A positive Homan's sign indicates pain in the calf or popliteal region when the foot is dorsiflexed, which may suggest the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This sign is traditionally tested during a physical examination where the healthcare provider stabilizes the leg while flexing the foot upwards towards the knee. If a patient experiences pain in the calf during this maneuver, it raises suspicion for a clot in the deep venous system of the leg. Recognizing a positive Homan's sign is clinically significant as it can lead to further investigation and management to prevent potential complications such as pulmonary embolism. The presence of calf pain alone can be a useful diagnostic clue when evaluating patients with risk factors for DVT, prompting appropriate imaging studies like ultrasound.

A positive Homan's sign indicates pain in the calf or popliteal region when the foot is dorsiflexed, which may suggest the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This sign is traditionally tested during a physical examination where the healthcare provider stabilizes the leg while flexing the foot upwards towards the knee. If a patient experiences pain in the calf during this maneuver, it raises suspicion for a clot in the deep venous system of the leg.

Recognizing a positive Homan's sign is clinically significant as it can lead to further investigation and management to prevent potential complications such as pulmonary embolism. The presence of calf pain alone can be a useful diagnostic clue when evaluating patients with risk factors for DVT, prompting appropriate imaging studies like ultrasound.