Psoas sign

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

What it is — and how it is elicited

Pain in the right lower abdomen when the patient flexes the right hip against resistance, or when the straightened right leg is gently extended.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with irritation of the psoas muscle by an inflamed retrocaecal appendix, and also with psoas abscess or haematoma.

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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.