Homan's sign is seen to be present when passive orsiflexion of the ankle by the examiner elicits sharp pain in the calf. It is caused by a thrombosis of the deep veins of the leg. This sign is frequently elicited in clinical practice because of the ease of use, although it is falling into disfavor because of risk of producing an embolism and because it is frequently positive in individuals without DVT. It is named for the American physician John Homans.