Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Obturator Sign

also known as Cope obturator test
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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient supine, flex the right hip and knee to 90°, then internally rotate the hip by swinging the lower leg outward while holding the knee still. The test is positive if it produces pain in the right lower quadrant.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Appendicitis

Positive obturator sign
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Benabbas R, Hanna M, Shah J, Sinert R. Diagnostic Accuracy of History, Physical Examination, Laboratory Tests, and Point-of-care Ultrasound for Pediatric Acute Appendicitis in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acad Emerg Med. 2017;24(5):523-551. PMID: 28214369.
  • Cope VZ. The thigh-rotation or obturator test: a new sign in some inflammatory conditions. Br J Surg. 1919;7(28):537-538.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

Related Diagnoses

Appendicitis

Related Systems / Regions

AbdomenGastrointestinal

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Abdomen Palpation
Rule in:VHPyloric Stenosis, HAppendicitis, SHDiverticulitis +32 more
Rule out:HAppendicitis, SHDiverticulitis, SHPyloric Stenosis +32 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
McBurney Point Palpation
aka McBurney sign
Rule in:IEAppendicitis
Rule out:IEAppendicitis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Rebound Tenderness
aka Blumberg sign
Rule in:SHAppendicitis, MHPeritonitis, IEDiverticulitis +1 more
Rule out:SHAppendicitis, SHPeritonitis, IEDiverticulitis +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Rovsing Sign
aka Perman-Rovsing sign; Perman sign
Rule in:SHAppendicitis, IEPeritonitis
Rule out:NHAppendicitis, IEPeritonitis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Psoas Sign
aka Iliopsoas sign; Obraztsov sign
Rule in:SHAppendicitis
Rule out:NHAppendicitis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Abdomen Auscultation
Rule in:VHRenovascular Hypertension, MHBowel Obstruction, IEAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm +9 more
Rule out:MHRenovascular Hypertension, NHBowel Obstruction, IEAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm +9 more