In the context of obstetrics, ballottement involves inserting a finger into the vagina and gently tapping on the lower part of the uterus. This action can cause the fetus to move away and then rebound, creating a sensation felt by the examining finger.
In orthopedics, ballottement is used to evaluate the presence of fluid in a joint, particularly the knee. The healthcare provider will apply pressure to the area around the joint to determine if the patella (kneecap) can be displaced and then return to its original position, indicating excess fluid.
