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Percussion

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Percussion

Overview

Percussion

Definition:

Percussion is a method of tapping body parts with fingers, hands, or small instruments as part of a physical examination. The purpose is to evaluate the size, consistency, borders, and presence or absence of fluid in body organs.

Percussion of a body part produces a sound -- like playing a drum -- that indicates the type of tissue within the organ:

Lungs sound hollow on percussion because they are filled with air.
Bones and joints sound solid.
The abdomen sounds like a hollow organ filled with air, fluid, or solids.

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