Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ballottement

noun
/bəˈlɒt.ə.mənt/
Definition
A medical term referring to a method of assessing a movable mass, such as a fetus, by a gentle tapping or pushing that causes a wave-like motion.
Examples
  • The doctor performed ballottement to check the position of the fetus during the examination.
  • Using ballottement, she could determine if there was any fluid accumulation in the joint.
  • Ballottement is often used in obstetrics to assess fetal movements.
Meaning
The technique of ballottement involves feeling for the presence of a floating mass by applying pressure and quickly releasing it to observe movement.
Synonyms
  • Tap assessment
  • Mobility check