McBurney's point

McBurney's point is a term used in medicine to describe a specific area on the abdomen that is associated with the appendix. It is named after Charles McBurney, an American surgeon who first described its significance in the diagnosis of appendicitis.

Location

McBurney's point is located on the right side of the abdomen, one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus (navel). This point roughly corresponds to the most common location of the base of the appendix where it is attached to the cecum.

Clinical significance

The primary clinical significance of McBurney's point is in the diagnosis of appendicitis. In a patient with appendicitis, pressure applied to McBurney's point will produce severe pain. This is known as McBurney's sign. However, not all patients with appendicitis will have this sign, and not all patients with this sign will have appendicitis. Therefore, it is used in conjunction with other clinical findings and diagnostic tests.

History

The point is named after Charles McBurney, an American surgeon who first described its significance in 1889. McBurney was a pioneer in the surgical treatment of appendicitis, and his description of the point that bears his name has remained a fundamental part of clinical examination for over a century.

See also

• Rovsing's sign
• Psoas sign
• Obturator sign