John Thomas sign

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The John Thomas sign, also known as the Throckmorton sign, is the position of the penis as it relates to pathology on an x-ray of the pelvis. When the penis (visible on the x-ray as a shadow) points towards the same side as a unilateral medical condition (such as a broken bone), this is considered a "positive John Thomas sign", and if the shadow points to the other side, it is a negative John Thomas sign. This sign is of dubious medical significance and is mostly employed as a humorous aside.

[edit] References

  • Merlin C. Thomas, Brett D. Lyons, Robert J. Walker John Thomas sign: common distraction or useful pointer? Letter. The Medical Journal of Australia, Sydney, 1998, 169: 670 [1]