Which physical exam sign is commonly associated with appendicitis?

McBurney's point tenderness is a classic physical exam finding associated with appendicitis. This point is located one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus on the right side of the abdomen. Tenderness at this specific location indicates irritation of the peritoneum due to an inflamed appendix, which is a key feature in diagnosing appendicitis.

Recognizing this sign is critical in the clinical evaluation of a patient with suspected appendicitis, as it often correlates strongly with the diagnosis. The presence of tenderness at McBurney's point, alongside other clinical signs and symptoms, can help confirm the diagnosis and trigger further necessary interventions like imaging or surgical consultation.

While other signs like the obturator sign and psoas sign are also associated with appendicitis as they relate to possible extended inflammation affecting surrounding structures, McBurney’s point tenderness is more directly connected to the location and nature of appendicitis itself, making it a hallmark finding in the examination for this condition. Rovsing's sign, which refers to referred pain in the right lower quadrant when pressure is applied to the left lower quadrant, can also be an indication of appendicitis but is not as specific as McBurney's