Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Triceps Deep Tendon Reflex

also known as Triceps jerk
🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Support the patient's arm so it hangs relaxed with the elbow flexed to about 90° and strike the triceps tendon just above the olecranon with the reflex hammer. The normal response is reflex extension of the elbow.

How to Interpret

Showing 1 of 3 findings

Cervical Radiculopathy

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

References

  • Wainner RS, et al. Reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the clinical examination and patient self-report measures for cervical radiculopathy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2003;28(1):52-62. PMID: 12544957.
  • Jiang Z, Davies B, Zipser C, et al. The value of clinical signs in the diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy — a systematic review and meta-analysis. Global Spine J. 2024;14(4):1369-1394. doi:10.1177/21925682231209869. PMID: 37903098. PMCID: PMC11289551.
  • 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.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

Related Systems / Regions

NeurologicalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Biceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Biceps jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more
Rule out:MHPeripheral Neuropathy, NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Brachioradialis Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Supinator jerk
Rule in:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Cervical Spine Active Range of Motion
Rule in:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy, IECervical Spondylosis
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy, IECervical Spondylosis
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Shoulder Strength
Rule in:HInfraspinatus Tear, SHSupraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
Rule out:HSupraspinatus Tear, NHInfraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Elbow Strength
Rule in:ICCervical Radiculopathy, NHDistal Biceps Tendon Rupture, IEDistal Triceps Tendon Rupture +1 more
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy, ICDistal Biceps Tendon Rupture, IEDistal Triceps Tendon Rupture +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Ankle jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more
Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, ICHypothyroidism, NHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +5 more