Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Traube Space Spleen Percussion

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How to Perform

With the patient supine, locate the xiphisternal junction and palpate laterally to the adjacent intercostal space; the sixth rib just above forms the superior border of Traube’s space, with the anterior axillary line laterally and left costal margin inferiorly. Percuss throughout this triangular space and note whether the percussion note is tympanitic or dull.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Splenomegaly

Dullness to percussion over Traube space during quiet respiration
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulWide CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate

Related Bedside Tests

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Spleen Palpation
Rule in:VHSplenomegaly, HMalaria, SHCirrhosis +13 more
Rule out:SHMyelofibrosis, MHInfectious Mononucleosis, MHSplenomegaly +13 more
🎬Video coming soon
Spleen Percussion
Castell method and Nixon method are two distinct percussion techniques performed at this station, not alternate names for one another or for the maneuver as a whole.
Rule in:SHSplenomegaly
Rule out:NHSplenomegaly
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Abdomen Palpation
Rule in:VHExtrahepatic Biliary Obstruction, VHIntussusception, VHPyloric Stenosis +32 more
Rule out:VHHepatocellular Jaundice, HAppendicitis, SHDiverticulitis +32 more
🎬Video coming soon
Abdomen Auscultation
Rule in:VHRenovascular Hypertension, MHBowel Obstruction, IEAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm +9 more
Rule out:MHRenovascular Hypertension, NHBowel Obstruction, IEAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm +9 more
🎬Video coming soon
Abdomen Inspection
Rule in:VHBowel Obstruction, SHAscites, ICCushing Syndrome +3 more
Rule out:SHAscites, SHBowel Obstruction, NHCushing Syndrome +3 more
🎬Video coming soon
Abdomen Percussion
Rule in:SHAscites, NHHepatomegaly, IEPerforated Viscus +2 more
Rule out:SHAscites, NHHepatomegaly, IEPerforated Viscus +2 more

Related Systems / Regions

AbdomenHematologicImmunologic

Related Diagnoses

Splenomegaly

Related Chief Complaints

Abdominal DistensionAbdominal FullnessEarly SatietyIncidental FindingLeft Upper Quadrant Pain

References

  • Meng E, Baweja K, Weersink C, Ahluwalia M, Hopman WM, Mainland R, et al. Performance of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Versus Traditional Physical Examination for the Bedside Evaluation of Splenomegaly. Ultrasound Q. 2026;42(3):e00752. doi:10.1097/RUQ.0000000000000752. PMID: 42335308.
  • McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.