What does a positive Psoas sign indicate?

What does a positive Psoas sign indicate?

• A. Inflammation of the pancreas
• B. Pain in the abdomen when the hip is rotated
• C. Appendix position
• D. Gallbladder distension

Answer: (B)

A positive Psoas sign indicates pain in the abdomen when the hip is rotated, which suggests irritation or inflammation of the psoas muscle due to an underlying condition, often associated with appendicitis. When a clinician performs the Psoas sign test, they typically ask the patient to flex the right hip against resistance or to extend the right leg while lying down. If this maneuver causes abdominal pain, it signals that the psoas muscle is being affected by an adjacent inflammatory process, often related to the appendix in cases of appendicitis. This sign helps clinicians in diagnosing conditions related to the lower abdomen, particularly when considering the location and anatomy of the appendix. By understanding how the Psoas sign works and what it indicates, medical professionals can better assess abdominal pain and direct further diagnostic testing or treatment as necessary.

A positive Psoas sign indicates pain in the abdomen when the hip is rotated, which suggests irritation or inflammation of the psoas muscle due to an underlying condition, often associated with appendicitis. When a clinician performs the Psoas sign test, they typically ask the patient to flex the right hip against resistance or to extend the right leg while lying down. If this maneuver causes abdominal pain, it signals that the psoas muscle is being affected by an adjacent inflammatory process, often related to the appendix in cases of appendicitis.

This sign helps clinicians in diagnosing conditions related to the lower abdomen, particularly when considering the location and anatomy of the appendix. By understanding how the Psoas sign works and what it indicates, medical professionals can better assess abdominal pain and direct further diagnostic testing or treatment as necessary.