McBurney point

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 20 May 2022

McBurney point is defined as a point that lies one-third of the distance laterally on a line drawn from the umbilicus to the right anterior superior iliac spine. Classically, it corresponds to the location of the base of the appendix 1.

Clinically, McBurney point is relevant for the elicitation of McBurney sign, which is deep tenderness at McBurney point. This is a key sign in the clinical assessment of acute appendicitis 1.

History and etymology

Charles McBurney (1845-1913) was an American surgeon who located this point and published it in the New York Medical Journal in 1889 1.

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