Murphy’s Sign

Editor – In the article “John Benjamin Murphy (1857–1916)”¹ we gave a description of performing Murphy’s sign that was misleading. On page 111, the statement “Murphy’s sign is elicited in patients with acute cholecystitis by asking the patient to take in and hold a deep breath while palpating the subcostal region.” In practice, Murphy’s sign is performed by palpating the subcostal region during inspiration. If pain is elicited and the patient suddenly stops their inspiratory effort, a positive Murphy’s sign has been elicited.

We also add that Dr. Murphy was a lecturer at Rush University and later became professor of surgery at North Western University in Chicago. He was also a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1884 – 1916.