[Physical examination--the significance of Homan's sign].

Homans's sign is often used in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the leg. A positive Homans's sign (calf pain at dorsiflexion of the foot) is thought to be associated with the presence of thrombosis. However, Homans's sign has a very poor predictive value for the presence or absence of deep vein thrombosis, like any other symptom or clinical sign of this disease.