Percussion

(per - kush’ - tin) \_percutere, to strike through]. A method of physical diagnosis applied by striking upon any part of the body, with a view of ascertaining the conditions of the underlying organs by the character of the sounds elicited. P., Auscultatory, percu ion combined with auscultation. It is best performed by placing a double stethoscope at a fixed point and percu ing gently all around. P., Immediate, percu ion in which the surface is struck directly, without the intere position ofa pleximeter. P.. Instrumental, the use of a special hammer as a plexor, either alone or with a plate as a pleximeter. P., Mediate, the percu ion in which a pleximeter is used. P. -wave, the term given to the chief ascending wave of the sphygmographic tracing. 486