McBurney's point

Related people

A point midway between the umbilicus and the right anteriorsuperior iliac spine. A guide to the position of the appendix, determined by the pressure of one finger.

Description

A guide to the position of the appendix, determined by the pressure of one finger. This point midway between the umbilicus and the right anteriorsuperior iliac spine, about 2,5-5,1 cm above the latter – is the most frequent site of maximum tenderness in acute appendicitis.

Bibliography

  • C. McBurney:
    Experience with early operative interference in cases of disease of the vermiform appendix.
    New York Medical Journal, 1889, 50: 676-684.
    Reprinted in Medical Classics, 1938; 2: 506-531. Page 678: “The seat of greatest pain, determined by the pressure of one finger, has been very exactly between an inch and a half and two two inches from the anterior spinous process of the ilium on a straight line drawn from that process to the umbilicus”.

What is an eponym?

An eponym is a word derived from the name of a person, whether real or fictional. A medical eponym is thus any word related to medicine, whose name is derived from a person.

What is Whonamedit?

Whonamedit.com is a biographical dictionary of medical eponyms. It is our ambition to present a complete survey of all medical phenomena named for a person, with a biography of that person.

Disclaimer:

Whonamedit? does not give medical advice.
This survey of medical eponyms and the persons behind them is meant as a general interest site only. No information found here must under any circumstances be used for medical purposes, diagnostically, therapeutically or otherwise. If you, or anybody close to you, is affected, or believe to be affected, by any condition mentioned here: see a doctor.