Howship

Howship is a surname of English origin. In medical history, it is best known for Howship's sign, a clinical finding associated with obturator nerve irritation caused by a hernia, most classically an incarcerated femoral hernia. Howship's sign is described as pain along the medial aspect of the thigh, which can be elicited or worsened by movements of the hip and sometimes aggravated by coughing or straining. The sign is named after an English physician who first documented the observation in the 19th century, and it has been referenced in medical literature as part of the bedside evaluation for suspected femoral or obturator hernias.

In modern practice, Howship's sign is considered of historical and educational interest. With advances in imaging, including ultrasound, CT, and MRI, the diagnosis of hernias and related nerve irritation is typically confirmed radiologically rather than relied upon as a sole physical sign. Nevertheless, Howship's sign remains part of the historical tapestry of clinical examination for groin hernias and obturator nerve involvement.

Beyond its medical usage, Howship may appear in general discussions of surnames and biographical references related to individuals bearing the name. The term Howship is thus primarily recognized in medicine through Howship's sign, while the surname itself appears in broader biographical contexts.