10 Signs of Appendicitis
5. Abdominal Rigidity
Abdominal rigidity is defined as the involuntary contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall. This finding can be assed upon palpation during a physical examination. Abdominal rigidity is a classical finding of peritonitis which is the inflammation of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity but it can also be a sign of other conditions. One key finding to differentiate between abdominal rigidity and guarding is that the patient may overcome abdominal guarding through mindful relaxation, whereas, in abdominal rigidity, this is not possible.
In the late stages of acute appendicitis, the examiner may find that the patient’s abdomen is rigid or stiff as a table upon palpation. This is a very specific sign associated with appendicitis but it is not enough to determine a diagnosis on its own.
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