What is the Difference Between McBurney's Sign and Rovsing's Sign?

If you're trying to determine whether a patient has appendicitis, two clinical signs that often come up are McBurney’s Sign and Rovsing’s Sign. While they may sound similar, they are distinct from each other. Here’s a clear explanation of each sign and its clinical significance.

What is McBurney’s Sign?

McBurney’s Sign refers to pain or tenderness at McBurney’s Point, which is located one-third of the way from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the umbilicus. When you press on this point, if the patient winces, it could strongly indicate acute appendicitis.

McBurney's Sign by Carol Hrejsa www.hrejsa.com is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

This point is aligned with the base of the appendix in many individuals, making it particularly useful during physical examinations. If there is tenderness upon pressing here and the patient exhibits other symptoms such as nausea, fever, or rebound tenderness, it’s time to consider surgical intervention.

What is Rovsing’s Sign?

Rovsing’s Sign is a bit more nuanced. To assess it, you press on the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. If the patient experiences pain in the right lower quadrant instead, this suggests the presence of Rovsing’s Sign.

McBurney's Sign vs Rovsing's Sign by Carol Hrejsa www.hrejsa.com is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Feel free to use my McBurney's Sign vs Rovsing's Sign illustration to clear up any confusion for free under a Creative Commons license—CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. You can use this image for free if you give credit, provide a link to the license. You can’t use it for commercial purposes or make derivatives.

Quick Comparison

Why These Signs Still Matter

Despite the availability of CT scans and laboratory tests, clinical signs like McBurney’s Sign and Rovsing’s Sign remain valuable. They are quick, cost-effective, and can inform decision-making, especially during initial assessments or in situations where imaging is not accessible.

Final Thoughts

McBurney’s Sign indicates direct tenderness over the appendix, while Rovsing’s Sign reveals peritoneal irritation when pressure is applied to the opposite side of the abdomen. Both signs are useful, particularly when evaluated together. If you're preparing for board exams or assessing a patient with abdominal pain, it's essential to remember these signs—they are still important components of effective clinical practice.

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