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Prehn's sign
System: Kidney & Urinary Signs · All kidney & urinary signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Lifting and supporting the painful scrotum relieves the pain in inflammation of the epididymis, but does not relieve it when the testicle has twisted.
What a positive finding suggests
Used traditionally to help distinguish epididymitis from testicular torsion, though it is unreliable and must never delay urgent assessment of a painful scrotum.
◈ Behind the name
Douglas T. Prehn, American urologist, who described it in 1934.
Related signs — Kidney & Urinary Signs
Browse the P 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.