Prehn's sign
Appearance
Prehn's sign is a medical diagnostic indicator was once believed to helps determine whether the presenting testicular pain is caused by acute epididymitis or from testicular torsion. [1] It however has not been found to be reliable in distinguishing torsion from other causes of testicular pain.[2]
According to Prehn's sign, the physical lifting of the testicles relieves the pain of epididymitis but not pain caused by testicular torsion.[3]
- Negative Prehn's sign indicates no pain relief with lifting the affected testicle, which points towards testicular torsion which is a surgical emergency and must be relieved within 6 hours.
- Positive Prehn's sign indicates there is pain relief with lifting the affected testicle, which points towards epididymitis.
References
- ^ "Diagnosis and Treatment of the Acute Scrotum - February 15, 1999 - American Academy of Family Physicians".
- ^ Lavallee ME, Cash J (2005). "Testicular torsion: evaluation and management". Curr Sports Med Rep. 4 (2): 102–4. PMID 15763047.
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ignored (help) - ^ "Case Based Pediatrics Chapter". Retrieved 2008-10-18.