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Percusión - Overview

Definición:

Es un método que consiste en dar golpecitos suaves en partes del cuerpo con los dedos, las manos o con pequeños instrumentos como parte de una exploración física y cuyo propósito es evaluar el tamaño, la consistencia, los bordes de órganos corporales y la presencia o ausencia de líquido en áreas del cuerpo.

La percusión de una parte del cuerpo produce un sonido, como tocar un tambor, que indica el tipo de tejido dentro del órgano o la parte del cuerpo:

  • Los pulmones suenan huecos a la percusión porque están llenos de aire.
  • Los huesos, las articulaciones y los órganos macizos como el hígado suenan sólidos.
  • El abdomen suena como un órgano hueco lleno de aire, líquido o sólidos.
  • Reviewed last on: 2/17/2011
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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