title: Gastrocnemius compression sign in arterial insufficiency of the leg.
abstract: A simple bedside diagnostic maneuver, consisting of a bimanual compression of the gastrocnemius muscle and its use in the assessment of lower limb ischemia, are described. The compression evokes a pain response in the ischemic muscles and, when positive, is strongly suggestive of vascular insufficiency and, when absent, suggests a nonvascular etiology. Thus, the test is useful for the differentiation of vascular from nonvascular leg pain and is recommended as a diagnostic screening maneuver. Further diagnosis requires appropriate clinical judgment and the use of confirmatory tests.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000175:diagnosis; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D009132:Muscles; D010173:Palpation; D011312:Pressure; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis