Percussion Sounds table
Percussion must always be:

Alternate (side to side).
Symmetrical
Comparative
Types
  • Gerhardt (digital-digital)

  • Plesch (Orthopercussion, one middle finger is the pleximeter and the other plexor.)

  • Auenbrugger (direct).


    • Uses
  • Normal Percussion of the Lungs = Resonance.

  • Organs = Determine span and delineate borders.

  • Diaphragmatic Excursion (normally 3cm to 5 cm).


    • PERCUSSION SOUNDS (Table)
    SOUND Intensity Duration Pitch Vibration e.g.
    Tympany Clear loud sustained high 'musical' +++ over air-filled stomach
    Resonance Clear long low +++ nl lung
    Hyper-resonance Louder longer lower ++++ nl lung
    in max insp
    Dullness soft thudding short high + nl heart,
    nl liver
    Flatness feeble shorter higher 0 nl arm, thigh
    KEY: nl = normal. 0 = absent .