Drehmann sign

Drehmann Sign

Drehmann Sign (pronunciation: /ˈdreɪ.mən ˈsaɪn/) is a clinical sign often used in the field of Orthopedics to diagnose certain hip conditions, particularly Perthes disease and Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE).

Etymology

The term is named after the German orthopedic surgeon, Heinrich Drehmann, who first described the sign in 1910.

Definition

Drehmann Sign is defined as the involuntary external rotation of the hip when it is passively flexed. It is a pathognomonic sign, meaning it is highly indicative of a specific disease when present.

Clinical Significance

Drehmann Sign is primarily used to diagnose Perthes disease and Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Both conditions affect the hip joint, causing pain and mobility issues. The presence of Drehmann Sign can help clinicians to differentiate these conditions from other hip disorders.

Related Terms

Pathognomonic: A term used to describe a sign or symptom that is so characteristic of a disease that it can be used to make a diagnosis.
Perthes disease: A childhood condition that affects the hip, causing the thighbone's head to soften and break down.
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): A condition that occurs in adolescents, where the ball at the upper end of the femur (thighbone) slips off in a backward direction due to weakness of the growth plate.