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What is obturator sign in appendicitis?

What is obturator sign in appendicitis?

Obturator sign is a clinical sign of acute appendicitis, it is defined as discomfort felt by the subject/patient on the slow internal movement of the hip joint, while the right knee is flexed. It indicates an inflamed pelvic appendix that is in contact with the obturator internus muscle 1-3.

What does positive obturator sign mean?

The obturator sign indicates the presence of an inflamed pelvic appendix. Evidence shows that the obturator test does not adequately diagnose appendicitis, but can be used in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to make a diagnosis.

Which of the following signs is indicative of a Retrocecal location of the appendix?

Retrocecal appendicitis may be detected by tenderness midway between the twelfth rib and the posterior superior iliac spine. Pelvic appendicitis produces rectal tenderness. A child with malrotation will have localized tenderness that corresponds to the position of the exudative drainage from the inflamed appendix.

What is silent appendicitis?

Even deep pressure in the right lower quadrant may fail to elicit tenderness the reason being that the caecum, distended with gas, prevents the pressure exerted by the palpating hand from reaching the inflamed appendix, so it has been called as ‘ silent appendicitis’.

When do you use the obturator sign for appendicitis?

This causes pain and is evidence in support of an inflamed appendix. The principles of the obturator sign in the diagnosis of appendicitis are similar to that of the psoas sign. The appendix is commonly located in the retrocecal or pelvic region. The oburator sign indicates the presence of an inflamed pelvic appendix.

Can a retrocecal appendix cause pelvic pain?

Up to 33% of patients can have retrocecal or pelvic appendix which can cause right flank pain or pelvic pain instead of the typical RLQ pain. This is why it is so important to know not only appendicitis symptoms but also appendicitis signs. The physical exam is super important when evaluating abdominal pain.

What are the signs of retroperitoneal retrocecal appendix?

Psoas sign—pain on extension of right thigh (retroperitoneal retrocecal appendix) Rovsing’s sign—pain in right lower quadrant with palpation of left lower quadrant Flank tenderness in right lower quadrant (retroperitoneal retrocecal appendix) Information from references 3 through 5. As previously noted, the location of the appendix varies.

Where is the obturator sign on a pelvic exam?

Obturator sign. The appendix is commonly located in the retrocecal or pelvic region. The oburator sign indicates the presence of an inflamed pelvic appendix. Evidence shows that the obturator test does not adequately diagnose appendicitis, but can be used in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to make a diagnosis.