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° (or rest the forearm across the abdomen), 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 all 2 findings

C7 Cervical Radiculopathy

Decreased or absent triceps deep tendon reflex (TDTR; ≤1+)
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
—
Evidence:Limited

Cervical Radiculopathy

Diminished or absent triceps reflex (≤1+)
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
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.
  • 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
Brachioradialis Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Supinator jerk
Rule in:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IEC5 or C6 Cervical Radiculopathy
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IEC5 or C6 Cervical 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
Ophthalmoscopy
aka Fundoscopy
Rule in:VHGlaucoma, SHDiabetic Retinopathy, MHIncreased Intracranial Pressure +13 more
Rule out:SHGlaucoma, MHDiabetic Retinopathy, MHIncreased Intracranial Pressure +13 more