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The article on testing the reflexes was a welcome relief from the uncertainties of politics and statistics. The usual technique is so well known, even by children, that anticipation of being hit can make it difficult. I offer an alternative.
The leg lies extended and relaxed on the couch.. The first part of the procedure is to put the quadriceps on the stretch. The index finger is placed across the tendon above the patella which is pushed toward the foot.
Then the child is told that I am going to hit my finger, not their leg. The hammer hits the side of my finger which produces the sudden extra stretch needed to elicit the reflex
Knee Jerks
The article on testing the reflexes was a welcome relief from the uncertainties of politics and statistics. The usual technique is so well known, even by children, that anticipation of being hit can make it difficult. I offer an alternative.
The leg lies extended and relaxed on the couch.. The first part of the procedure is to put the quadriceps on the stretch. The index finger is placed across the tendon above the patella which is pushed toward the foot.
Then the child is told that I am going to hit my finger, not their leg. The hammer hits the side of my finger which produces the sudden extra stretch needed to elicit the reflex
The contraction phase can be seen and felt.
Competing interests: No competing interests