Elbow
Muscle & Tendon
Evidence: confirmed
Triceps Reflex Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Assessing the integrity of the C7 Nerve Root and Triceps Tendon.
How to Perform
- Position: Arm abducted and elbow relaxed (hanging).
- Action: Examiner strikes the triceps tendon just proximal to the olecranon with a reflex hammer.
Interpretation of Results
- Normal: Visible extension of the elbow.
- Abnormal: Diminished (hyporeflexia) or absent reflex indicates C7 pathology or tendon rupture.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Triceps Reflex Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Elbow region, combining the Triceps Reflex Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
