Abdominal Physical Signs and Medical Eponyms: Part III. Physical Examination of Palpation, 1926–1976

Background In this paper described are medical eponyms associated with abdominal palpation from the period 1926–1976. Despite opposition by some, eponyms are a long standing tradition and widely used in medicine. The techniques may still be useful, in some cases, assisting in the selection of an appropriate and cost-effective approach to patient care. Covered are signs named in honor of physicians contributed to medicine by developing new palpatory techniques in an attempt to better diagnose disease of the abdominal wall, umbilicus, gallbladder, pancreas and appendix.

Data Sources PubMed, Medline, on-line Internet word searches, textbooks, and references from other source text. PubMed was searched using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) of the name of the eponyms and text words associated with the sign.

Conclusion We described brief historical background information about the physician who reported the sign, original description of the sign, and its clinical application and implication into today’s medical practice.