ballottement
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Related to ballottement: quickening
bal·lotte·ment
(bal-ot-mon[h]'),1. Maneuver used in physical examination to estimate the size of an organ not near the surface, particularly when there is ascites, by a flicking motion of the hand or fingers similar to that involved in dribbling a basketball.
2. An obsolete method of diagnosing pregnancy: with the tip of the forefinger in the vagina, a sharp tap is made against the lower segment of the uterus; the fetus, if present, is tossed upward and (if the finger is retained in place) will be felt to strike against the wall of the uterus as it falls back.
[Fr. balloter, to toss up]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
ballottement
(bə-lŏt′mənt)n. Medicine
A palpatory technique for detecting or examining a floating object in the body, as:
a. The use of a finger to push sharply against the uterus and detect the presence or position of a fetus by its return impact.
b. Palpation of the abdominal wall while a kidney is being pushed sharply from the backside, used as a test for determining the presence of a floating kidney.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
bal·lotte·ment
(bal-ot-mōn[h]')1. Maneuver used in physical examination to estimate the size, shape, or consistency of an organ not near the surface, particularly when there is ascites, by a rhythmic, thrusting motion of the hand or fingers similar to that involved in bouncing a ball.
2. A diagnostic measure in pregnancy.
[Fr. balloter, to toss up]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
ballottement
A physical sign of a solid organ, a fetus or a suspected mass, lying within fluid. The area is given a sharp push with the tips of the fingers and the mass swings quickly away and then back again to strike the fingertips and confirm its presence. Ballottement may thus show either fluid or an internal mass.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005