Rebound tenderness

Rebound tenderness is a clinical sign resulting from physical examination of the abdomen. Abdominal pain is aggravated by stretching or moving of the parietal layer of the peritoneal membrane. Palpation over the area can be extremely painful, with the overlying muscles contracting to protect the peritoneum. This is a guarding mechanism. Sudden release of pressure by the examining hand aggravates the pain and the patient winces. This sign can be present in many conditions, e.g. appendicitis