Perthes' test
Last reviewed 01/2018
Perthes' test may be performed to assess valvular competence in the distal perforating veins in the calf.
The test is similar to the Trendelenburg-Brodie method with a tourniquet applied around the upper thigh below the sapheno-femoral junction.
However, when the patient stands, the examiner allows some blood to be released and then reapplies the tourniquet. The patient is then asked to stand up and down on their toes for a few times.
The veins become less tense if the perforating calf veins are patent with competent valves, or if the muscle pump is functioning.