McBurney's point--fact or fiction?

Abstract

Anthropometric measurements were performed on 51 normal, supine, barium enema examinations to determine the position of the lower pole of the caecum and the base of the appendix relative to palpable bony landmarks (the anterior superior iliac spine and the symphysis pubis). Four quadrants were defined (iliac, umbilical, inguinal and pelvic) by the intersection of the right lateral line and the interspinous line (the line joining the left and right anterior superior iliac spines). The position of the lower pole of the caecum was iliac in 12%, inguinal in 37%, and pelvic in 51%. The appendix or appendix stump was visualised on 53% of the barium examinations. The position of the appendix was iliac in 15%, umbilical in 15%, inguinal in 11%, and pelvic in 59%. The positions of the lower pole of the caecum and base of the appendix are lower and more medial than previously described. 70% of appendices were found to lie inferior to the interspinous line, contrary to established surgical teaching, which assumes McBurney's point to be the surface landmark for the appendix.