Knee Hammer

Short description:

• Also called Taylor or Tomahawk hammer
• It consists of a triangular rubber component that is attached to a flat metallic handle
• An instrument used to test reflexes of the deep tendons to check for abnormalities of the nervous system

Description:

• This hammer is a medical instrument used by practitioners to test deep tendon reflexes.
• Testing for reflexes is an important part of the neurological physical examination to detect abnormalities in the central or peripheral nervous system. It can also be used for chest percussion.

Benefits:

• The instrument which is an essential part of the neurological physical examination
• Lightweight
• Accurately and effectively elicits knee jerk reflexes with less effort and greater patient comfort.

How to use:

• Choose your reflex hammer and hold it firmly by the handle.
• Make sure that the muscle group you are testing is neither stretched nor contracted (it must be in a neutral position to provoke the correct tendon response).
• Strike the tendon in a single, brisk stroke and note the muscle reaction.
• Note: used by professionals only