10 Signs of Appendicitis
2. Pain on Percussion
Percussion is a key component of the physical examination performed by a physician and it involves the gentile tapping of different body parts with the fingers. The different density between tissues will result in different tones upon percussion, which can be used to determine the size and consistency of a specific organ.
This maneuver is usually a painless experience for most patients. In cases of acute appendicitis, patients may feel pain when the examiner starts tapping on their abdomen. This is a very specific sign associated with acute appendicitis but it is also linked with peritoneal irritation and peritonitis.
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