Chvostek's Sign in Paediatric Practice

Chvostek’s Sign was first described in 1876, as a clinical clue associated with patients who suffered from latent tetany, and is induced by percussion of the angle of the jaw. However, over the years many clinicians have called into question the strength of the association with latent tetany, particularly in paediatric practice. This review examines the variation in techniques used to elicit the sign in studies conducted on this phenomenon in children as well as how differences in the classification of a positive Chvostek’s sign have lead to varied reports on the strength of the association. Furthermore, an appraisal of the literature regarding the proposed mechanism of Chvostek’s sign is reported alongside analysing other diseases which have been associated with Chvostek’s sign to uncover any unifying mechanism for the presence of this clinical sign in children.