Test: DTR Achilles Reflex

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

With the patient sitting, place one hand underneath the sole and dorsiflex the foot slightly. Then tap on the Achilles tendon just above its insertion on the calcaneus. If the patient is in bed, flex the knee and invert or evert the foot somewhat, cradling the foot and lower leg in your arm. Then tap on the tendon. If no response is obtained, have the patient face a chair and kneel on it with the knees resting against the back of the chair, the elbows on the top of the back, and the feet projecting over the seat. First dorsiflex the foot slightly and tap on the tendon. Use the Jendrassik maneuver if this doesn"t work. This position is well suited to observing the relaxation phase of the reflex in patients with suspected thyroid disease.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Tap the Achilles tendon and look for response.

Criteria

• Slight jerk response is normal.

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail