Deep vein thrombosis physical examination

Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. Associate Editor-In-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [1]

Deep Vein Thrombosis Microchapters
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Differentiating Deep vein thrombosis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
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Assessment of Clinical Probability and Risk Scores
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Overview

The actual physical signs of venous thrombosis can be quite unreliable. There may be pain and tenderness in the thigh along the course of the major veins

Physical examination

Physical examination may reveal

• Palpable cord (reflecting a thrombosed vein)
• Calf or thigh pain
• Unilateral edema or swelling with a difference in calf diameters, warmth, tenderness and erythema.
• Superficial venous dilation.

Test

• Homan's test: Dorsiflexion of foot elicits pain in posterior calf
• Pratt's sign: Squeezing of posterior calf elicits pain

However, these medical signs do not perform well and are not included in clinical prediction rules that combine best findings in order to diagnose DVT.