Percussion
Percussion (medicine)
Percussion (pronunciation: /pərˈkəSHən/) is a method of tapping on a surface to determine the underlying structure, and is used in clinical examinations to assess the condition of the thorax or abdomen. It is one of the fundamental techniques used in physical examination of a patient, along with inspection, palpation, and auscultation.
Etymology
The term "percussion" is derived from the Latin word "percussio" meaning "to beat, strike", which in turn is from "percussus", the past participle of "percutere" (to beat).
Method
In medical percussion, the middle finger of one hand is typically used to strike the middle finger of the other hand that is placed against the patient's body. The sound produced can be interpreted to determine if the area is filled with air (resonant), fluid (dull), or solid (flat). This technique is commonly used to assess the lungs and abdomen.
Related Terms
- Auscultation: The act of listening to sounds arising within organs (such as the lungs) as an aid to diagnosis and treatment.
- Palpation: The process of using one's hands to check the body, especially while perceiving/diagnosing a disease or illness.
- Inspection (medicine): The initial part of a physical examination, involving the observation of the patient for any clinical signs of disease.
- Resonance (medicine): In percussion, a clear, hollow sound that indicates healthy lung tissue.
- Tympany: A musical drum-like sound, which is high in pitch and often heard when percussing the stomach or intestine.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Percussion
- Wikipedia's article - Percussion
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