Multiple choice

Inflammation of a retrocaecal appendix will produce pain, when there is which of the following movements at the hip?

  1. Flexion

  2. Extension

  3. Medial rotation

  4. Lateral rotation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A retrocaecal appendix lies in close proximity to the psoas muscle. When inflamed, it irritates the psoas muscle, causing pain on extension of the hip. This is because extension stretches the inflamed psoas against the irritated appendix. This clinical sign is known as a positive psoas sign and helps localize the appendix when it is in a retrocaecal position.

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