Rebound tenderness

Rebound tenderness is a clinical sign that a doctor may detect in a physical examination of a patient's abdomen. It is indicative of peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. It can also be a sign of other serious abdominal conditions.

Definition

Rebound tenderness is a symptom that is detected when the doctor releases his or her hand quickly from the patient's abdomen after gently pressing on it. If the patient feels pain when the doctor's hand is quickly removed, this is referred to as rebound tenderness.

Causes

Rebound tenderness is caused by the stretching or distention of the peritoneum, or inflammation of the abdominal organs. It is often associated with appendicitis, but can also be a sign of other conditions such as diverticulitis, cholecystitis, or an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of rebound tenderness is made during a physical examination. The doctor will gently press on different areas of the abdomen and then quickly release the pressure. If the patient feels pain upon the release of pressure, this is considered a positive sign of rebound tenderness.

Treatment

Treatment for rebound tenderness depends on the underlying cause. If it is due to appendicitis, surgery to remove the appendix may be necessary. If it is due to another condition, treatment will be directed at that condition.

See also

• Abdominal examination
• McBurney's point
• Rovsing's sign
• Psoas sign
• Obturator sign

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