Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Traube Space Spleen Percussion

🎬
Video coming September 2026

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 helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Barkun AN, Camus M, Meagher T, et al. Splenic enlargement and Traube's space: how useful is percussion? Am J Med. 1989;87(5):562-566. PMID 2683766. Grover SA, Barkun AN, Sackett DL. The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have splenomegaly? JAMA. 1993;270(18):2218-2221. PMID 8411607.
  • McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Diagnoses

Splenomegaly

Related Systems / Regions

AbdomenHematologicImmunologic

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Spleen Palpation
Rule in:VHSplenomegaly, HMalaria, SHCirrhosis +13 more
Rule out:MHInfectious Mononucleosis, MHSplenomegaly, NHCirrhosis +13 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
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:SHSplenomegaly
🎬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
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 Sept 2026
Abdomen Inspection
Rule in:VHBowel Obstruction, SHAscites, SHCushing Syndrome +3 more
Rule out:SHAscites, SHBowel Obstruction, NHCushing Syndrome +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Abdomen Percussion
Rule in:SHAscites, NHHepatomegaly, IEPerforated Viscus +2 more
Rule out:SHAscites, NHHepatomegaly, IEPerforated Viscus +2 more