What does it mean when a tooth is tender to percussion?
A percussion-sensitive tooth indicates inflammation in the periodontal ligament. This pain can be the result of either a vital or nonvital tooth. Certainly, the inflammation from a hyperemic tooth can go to the PDL, which can result in percussion sensitivity.
What does dullness to percussion mean?
Dull or thudlike sounds are normally heard over dense areas such as the heart or liver. Dullness replaces resonance when fluid or solid tissue replaces air-containing lung tissues, such as occurs with pneumonia, pleural effusions, or tumors.
What does percussion positive mean?
The percussion test done by tapping on the incisal edge of a tooth with the end of a mirror. Positive responses indicate inflammation of the periodontal ligament. It is used to aid in your periradicular diagnoses.
When to percusse for ascites in the abdomen?
When percussing for ascites, a positive finding involves dullness over the flanks and tympany at midline when the patient is in the supine position. When the patient moves to a lateral decubitus position, the dullness will shift toward the table. Another test for ascites involves trying to illicit a fluid thrill.
How are ascites used in a physical exam?
An important aspect of ascites is the analysis of ascitic fluid and determination of the serum – ascites albumin gradient, helpful in differential diagnosis. Several studies have evaluated how the accuracy of the physical examination in assessing liver size and detecting ascites.
How to test for liver and ascites dullness?
Flank Dullness The patient is examined in the supine position. Direct percussion is done over the abdomen, from the umbilicus to the flanks. The location of the transition from tympany to dullness is noted. Positive test: Percussion note is tympanitic over the umbilicus and dull over the lateral abdomen and flank areas
Where to percuss for percussion of the abdomen?
For ascites percussion, percuss from the posterior axillary line in each flank, starting from the one furthest from you and head towards the midline. In a person with ascites, the flanks will sound dull and the midline should sound tympanic, creating an air-fluid level.
