What sign is characterized by reluctance to extend the knee when the hip is flexed?

The sign characterized by reluctance to extend the knee when the hip is flexed is known as Kernig sign. This sign is often associated with meningeal irritation, which can occur in conditions such as meningitis.

When a patient is positioned with the hip flexed at a 90-degree angle, an attempt to extend the knee will produce discomfort or resistance. This reaction occurs due to the stretching of the inflamed meninges, which can exacerbate pain and discomfort during knee extension. Therefore, a positive Kernig sign provides clinical evidence suggesting meningeal irritation.

Brudzinski sign is another indicator of meningeal irritation, as it involves involuntary flexion of the legs when the neck is flexed. Romberg sign relates to balance and proprioception, while Babinski sign indicates neurological function related to the integrity of the corticospinal tract and has a different purpose in neurological examination. Thus, Kernig sign is specifically relevant to the context of knee extension and hip flexion in assessing potential meningitis.