Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Brachioradialis Deep Tendon Reflex

also known as Supinator jerk
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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient's forearm resting relaxed in slight pronation, strike the distal radius about 2–3 cm above the wrist (over the brachioradialis tendon) with the reflex hammer. The normal response is reflex flexion and slight supination of the forearm.

How to Interpret

Showing 1 of 2 findings

Cervical Radiculopathy

Diminished or absent brachioradialis reflex (≤1+)
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Wainner RS, Fritz JM, Irrgang JJ, Boninger ML, Delitto A, Allison S. Reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the clinical examination and patient self-report measures for cervical radiculopathy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2003 Jan 1;28(1):52-62. doi:10.1097/00007632-200301010-00014. PMID 12544957.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Systems / Regions

NeurologicalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Biceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Biceps jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, HUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, SHC5-C6 Radiculopathy +3 more
Rule out:SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, MHPeripheral Neuropathy, IEC5 Myelopathy +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Triceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Triceps jerk
Rule in:SHC7 Cervical Radiculopathy, NHCervical Radiculopathy
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Spurling Test
aka Foraminal compression test
Rule in:IECervical Disc Herniation, IECervical Foraminal Stenosis, IECervical Radiculopathy
Rule out:IECervical Disc Herniation, IECervical Foraminal Stenosis, IECervical Radiculopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Cervical Spine Active Range of Motion
Rule in:MHCervical Radiculopathy
Rule out:SHCervical Radiculopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
C Spine and Neck Palpation
Rule in:IECervical Spine Injury, IEMalignant Cervical Lymphadenopathy (Metastasis or Lymphoma), IEMediastinal Shift (Tension Pneumothorax or Large Pleural Effusion)
Rule out:IECervical Spine Injury, IEMalignant Cervical Lymphadenopathy (Metastasis or Lymphoma), IEMediastinal Shift (Tension Pneumothorax or Large Pleural Effusion)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Chest Wall Palpation
Rule in:NHRib Fracture
Rule out:SHAcute Coronary Syndrome, NHRib Fracture