Sunday, November 2, 2008

The hamstring reflex


Since the knee jerk is L4 and the ankle jerk S1, the L5 root is usually omitted from exam. The biceps (of the hamstring) and semitendinosis reflexes are tested, both high sciatic reflexes. Biceps is primarily L5 and is lateral, semitendinosis is L4 and medial.

Crossed adductor measures at L2

More DTR pearls:
1. Prolonged reflex is not just with hypothyroid, but also cerebellar disease, (pendular oscillating), protein malnutrition (change in elastic quality of tendons), hyponatremia and syphilis.

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