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Kernig's sign

The subject lies supine flexed at the hip (to a right angle with the axis of the trunk) & the knee. Inhibition of complete extension of the knee or pain on extension of the knee is a sign of meningitis. Almost useless in establishing a diagnosis of meningitis prior to CT imaging & lumbar puncture. [3]

General

meningeal sign

References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995
  2. Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 1063
  3. Journal Watch 22(15):117, 2002 Thomas KE et al, Clin Infect Dis 35:46, 2002