Pain at left shoulder tip in a patient with splenic trauma is known as –
**Core Concept**
Kehr's sign refers to the radiating pain experienced in the left shoulder tip due to the irritation of the diaphragm by blood or fluid accumulating in the splenic region following splenic trauma. This phenomenon is a classic clinical manifestation of splenic rupture or splenic injury.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The accumulation of blood or fluid in the splenic region irritates the diaphragm, causing it to contract and pull on the phrenic nerve. The phrenic nerve provides sensory innervation to the diaphragm and the pericardium, as well as motor innervation to the diaphragm. The referred pain is perceived in the dermatome corresponding to the C4 spinal nerve, which is responsible for the sensation of the left shoulder tip. This phenomenon is a result of the convergence of visceral and somatic afferent fibers in the spinal cord.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the clinical manifestation of splenic trauma. Kehr's sign is a specific type of referred pain that occurs in the left shoulder tip.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the clinical manifestation of splenic trauma. Kehr's sign is a specific type of referred pain that occurs in the left shoulder tip.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the clinical manifestation of splenic trauma. Kehr's sign is a specific type of referred pain that occurs in the left shoulder tip.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Kehr's sign is a classic clinical manifestation of splenic rupture or splenic injury, but it can also be seen in other conditions that cause irritation of the diaphragm, such as pneumoperitoneum or subphrenic abscess.
**Correct Answer:** A. Kehr's sign.