Dance's sign

System: Abdominal & Digestive Signs · All abdominal & digestive signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

A slight emptiness or retraction felt in the right lower abdomen, where a segment of bowel has telescoped away from its usual position.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with intussusception in infants and young children.

◈ Behind the name

Jean-Baptiste-Hippolyte Dance (1797–1832), French physician.

Browse the D section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.