Nephroptosis, or floating kidney, is a condition in which the kidney has abnormal mobility or descent, often due to laxity of the renal pedicle and supporting ligaments. While nephroptosis is uncommon in adults, when it occurs it may be associated with abdominal pain, particularly with position changes. On ultrasound, nephroptosis can be demonstrated through scanning in supine and upright positions, showing significant descent of the kidney with positional change. Some degree of kidney motion with respiration and position change is normal, so distinguishing true pathologic nephroptosis from normal physiologic movement requires careful assessment. Nephroptosis itself usually requires no treatment unless it causes symptoms severe enough to warrant surgery.
Sonography Term