Test: DTR Patellar Reflex

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

Let the knees swing free by the side of the bed, and place one hand on the quadriceps so you can feel its contraction. If the patient is in bed, slightly flex the knee by placing your forearm under both knees by contraction of the quadriceps with extension of the lower leg. If the reflex is hyperactive there is sometimes concomitant adduction of the ipsilateral thigh. Adduction of the opposite thigh and extension of the opposite lower leg also can occur simultaneously if those reflexes are hyperactive. Note that this so-called crossed thigh adduction or leg extension tells you that the reflexes in the opposite leg are hyperactive. They tell you nothing about the state of the reflex in the leg being tested. Use the Jendrassik maneuver if there is no response.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Tap patellar tendon with reflex hammer.

Criteria

• Knee has reaction of extension

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail