HOMANS

SIGN

​• Test positioning

The client lies supine on a table

​• Action

With the knee of the involved side fully extended, the therapist passively dorsiflexes the client's foot.

​• Positive finding

A production of pain in the calf that is brought upon by the passive stretch of the foot into a dorsiflexed position is a positive sign for thrombophlebitis.

​• Special considerations & comments

Pain may also be elicited upon palpation of the calf in conjunction with the passive stretch.

A positive finding indicates a life-threatening condition that should be addressed by appropriate medical personnel immediately.

Homans' Sign is named after Dr. John Homans for his work on diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through passive dorsiflexion of the foot, a classic test for detecting potential clotting issues in the leg.