Fothergill and Carnett signs and rectus sheath hematoma

Fothergill and Carnett signs are used to distinguish intrabdominal from abdominal wall diseases. These bedside techniques may be useful in distinguishing intrabdominal from an abdominal wall cause of disease. Timely and accurate diagnosis of rectus sheath hematoma in at risk patients in the appropriate clinical setting is important because of the associated morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. Diagnosis requires an accurate and thorough history and bedside physical examination and performance of these maneuvers as originally described.