What condition does Homan's sign help to assess for?

Homan's sign is specifically utilized to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This sign is elicited by having the patient dorsiflex their foot while the leg is straight. If there is pain in the calf during this maneuver, it may indicate the presence of a DVT. This clinical sign is based on the premise that the presence of a thrombus in the deep venous system can induce discomfort when the surrounding muscles and tissues are put under tension, as occurs during dorsiflexion.

While Homan's sign can provide useful clinical information, it’s crucial to remember that it is not definitive on its own and should be considered alongside other clinical findings and diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound imaging. The other options listed, such as peripheral artery disease or knee ligament injuries, are unrelated conditions that would not be evaluated using Homan's sign, as the mechanisms and symptoms for these conditions differ significantly from those associated with DVT.