Role of Percussion in Physical Examination

Background: Percussion, which is typically done by hand to evaluate underlying anatomical structures, has been an essential component of physical examination since the 18th century.The method's limited reproducibility and subjectivity have drawn criticism in recent decades, despite its diagnostic value.Objective: With an emphasis on how contemporary technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and sensor systems, are redefining the use of percussion in the context of the Technology-Assisted Physical Examinoscope (TAPEX), this paper seeks to explore the evolution of percussion in clinical practice. Methods:To investigate historical turning points, contemporary clinical uses, and new developments in percussion, a narrative review was carried out.Percussion technologies and techniques are thoroughly categorized in the analysis, ranging from conventional approaches to AI-powered and telemedicine solutions.Findings: A variety of techniques have been developed to overcome the drawbacks of manual percussion.To improve accuracy, uniformity, and remote usability, robotic platforms, waveform analysis algorithms, mechanically assisted devices, and acoustic sensor systems have been developed.The increasing incorporation of engineering and computational technologies into physical examination is exemplified by tools like the iApp platform, robotic percussion arms, and AI classifiers for hemopneumothorax detection. Conclusion:Through the incorporation of contemporary technologies, percussion keeps developing by becoming more accurate, consistent, and scalable.A key component of TAPEX, percussion, is an illustration of how traditional examination methods can be altered to meet the needs of contemporary, data-driven healthcare.This convergence suggests that rather than replacing bedside assessment, intelligent diagnostic tools will be used in the future.