Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Obturator Sign

also known as Cope's 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. A positive test is hypogastric or right-lower-quadrant pain.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Acute Appendicitis

Positive obturator sign
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
—
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.

Related Diagnoses

Acute Appendicitis

Related Systems / Regions

AbdomenGastrointestinal

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Abdomen Palpation
Rule in:VHAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm, VHPyloric Stenosis, VHSigmoid Diverticulitis +29 more
Rule out:SHCholecystitis, SHHepatomegaly, MHAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm +28 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
McBurney Point Palpation
aka McBurney's sign
Rule in:IEAppendicitis
Rule out:IEAppendicitis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Psoas Sign
aka Iliopsoas sign; Obraztsov's sign
Rule in:SHAppendicitis (Adult), SHAppendicitis (Pediatric)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Rebound Tenderness
aka Blumberg's sign
Rule in:SHAppendicitis, MHPeritonitis, IEDiverticulitis +1 more
Rule out:SHAppendicitis, SHPeritonitis, IEDiverticulitis +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Rovsing Sign
Rule in:SHAppendicitis, IERight-sided Peritoneal Irritation
Rule out:IERight-sided Peritoneal Irritation
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Abdominal Wall Tenderness Test
aka Carnett's sign
Rule in:SHAbdominal Wall Pain, SHPsychogenic Abdominal Pain, IEAcute Abdomen +2 more
Rule out:HPsychogenic Abdominal Pain, SHAbdominal Wall Pain, IEAcute Abdomen +2 more