In medical diagnosis Nixon's sign is an alternative to
Castell's sign
Castell's sign is a medical sign assessed to evaluate splenomegaly and typically part of an abdominal examination. It is an alternative physical examination maneuver to percussion over Traube's space.
Splenomegaly, although associated with nume ...
, useful in identifying
splenomegaly
Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen. The spleen usually lies in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the human abdomen. Splenomegaly is one of the four cardinal signs of ''hypersplenism'' which include: some reduction in number of circulati ...
.
Technique
The patient is first placed in the right lateral decubitus position. Percussion starts at the midpoint of the left costal margin and is continued upward perpendicular to the left costal margin. Normally, the level of dullness does not extend more than 8 cm above the costal margin and splenomegaly is diagnosed if the dullness extends beyond 8 cm.
References
Physical examination
Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen
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