Gastrointestinal surgery mnemonic

Signs of acute appendicitis

The mnemonic

Four named signs

What each word stands for

  • McBurneyTenderness at McBurney's point
  • RovsingLeft iliac fossa palpation causes right-sided pain
  • PsoasPain on hip extension suggests a retrocaecal appendix
  • ObturatorPain on internal rotation of the flexed hip suggests a pelvic appendix

Why it matters clinically

Positional signs hint at the appendix location and support the diagnosis.

Where it stops being reliable

Clinical signs are insensitive; scoring (Alvarado) and imaging add accuracy.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Gastrointestinal surgery mnemonic?

Four named signs. It helps you recall: Signs of acute appendicitis.

What does "McBurney" stand for?

Tenderness at McBurney's point

What does "Rovsing" stand for?

Left iliac fossa palpation causes right-sided pain

What does "Psoas" stand for?

Pain on hip extension suggests a retrocaecal appendix

What are all the parts of the Four named signs mnemonic?

McBurney: Tenderness at McBurney's point; Rovsing: Left iliac fossa palpation causes right-sided pain; Psoas: Pain on hip extension suggests a retrocaecal appendix; Obturator: Pain on internal rotation of the flexed hip suggests a pelvic appendix.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Gastrointestinal surgery in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Clinical signs are insensitive; scoring (Alvarado) and imaging add accuracy.

How is this useful clinically?

Positional signs hint at the appendix location and support the diagnosis.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Gastrointestinal surgery.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.