Rebound tenderness overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Rebound tenderness is one of the most important signs of peritonitis when evaluating an acute abdomen. In recent years the value of rebound tenderness has been questioned, since it may not add any diagnostic value beyond the observation that the patient has severe tenderness.
Pathophysiology
Rebound tenderness is thought to be due to stretching of the peritoneum.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Children, the immunocompromised, and the elderly are less likely to show peritoneal signs and may have atypical presentations.