What is ballotable?

Ballotable is a term used in the medical field to describe a physical condition where an organ or tissue is displaced and moves freely within a body cavity. This is commonly seen in pregnancy, where the fetus is described as ballotable if it can be felt moving around inside the uterus during a physical examination. Ballotable can also refer to a swollen joint, where fluid collects and the joint can be moved or "bounced" up and down within its capsule. This condition can indicate underlying joint inflammation or injury and may require medical attention. Overall, ballotable refers to a physical phenomenon characterized by a freely movable object within a body cavity or joint.