The liver is percussed to estimate its size, and therefore, to differentiate true enlargement from false.
The liver span is estimated by percussing the width of the liver down the thorax and abdomen. The upper border of the liver is normally level with the sixth rib in the mid-clavicular line. Start percussing from a point above this, and progress downwards until the note changes from resonant to dull. Measure from this position to the palpable liver edge. It should be less than 12.5 cm.
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