Bilateral means “on both sides”.
In medicine, bilateral refers to both sides of the body or two of something.
Bilateral ankle fractures would mean both ankles are fractured.
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Bilateral inguinalherniaswould mean that both inguinal areas, left and right, have hernias.
Medical problems often affect both sides of the human body, but this is not always the case.
Accidents and trauma are less likely to be bilateral problems.
This means that both lungs sound as they should.
Bilateral Versus Unilateral
The opposite of bilateral is unilateral, which means “on one side.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bilateral ultrasound?
A bilateral ultrasound looks at body parts on both the right and left side.
What does bilateral symmetry mean?
Bilateral symmetry means the left side is a mirror image of the right side.
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