Which clinical test assesses deep vein valvular competence by asking the standing patient to rise on tiptoe, causing collapse of surface veins when the perforators are competent?
- A Trendelenburg test
- B Schwartz tap test
- C Perthes test ✓
- D Morrissey cough impulse test
Correct answer: C. Perthes test
Explanation
In the Perthes test, a tourniquet controls the superficial veins at mid-thigh and the patient walks or rises on tiptoe. Competent deep veins and perforators empty the superficial system and the varicosities collapse; failure to collapse indicates deep venous obstruction or incompetent perforators, which contraindicates superficial surgery alone. The Trendelenburg test assesses saphenofemoral competence, Schwartz tap transmits an impulse along an incompetent vein, and Morrissey tests for a cough impulse at the saphenous opening.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.