Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Stemmer Sign

also known as Kaposi-Stemmer sign
🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Attempt to pinch and lift a fold of skin on the dorsum at the base of the second toe between your thumb and index finger. A positive Stemmer sign is the inability to pinch and lift the skin fold. The sign is negative when the skin lifts easily into a thin fold.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Lymphedema

Positive Stemmer sign
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
HelpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Goss JA, Greene AK. Sensitivity and Specificity of the Stemmer Sign for Lymphedema: A Clinical Lymphoscintigraphic Study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019;7(6):e2295. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002295. PMID 31624689. PMC6635205 (open access, CC BY-NC-ND).
  • Stemmer R. Ein klinisches Zeichen zur Früh- und Differentialdiagnose des Lymphödems. Vasa. 1976;5:261-262.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

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Lymphedema

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