We all have seen hammers and stethoscopes in our doctors’ clinics. You might have seen doctors in TV commercials holding hammers to knock on their patient’s knees. But, have you wondered what those Percussion hammer are in the hands of a physician? What are they called, and what function do they perform?
These hammers are known as Percussion Reflex Hammer. Doctors use these diagnostic instruments to evaluate reflexes. You might have experienced this in childhood or during a check-up. A doctor will tap body parts with these small instruments as a physical examination.
Percussion hammer help determine the proper working of body organs, reflexes, and nerves. In addition, some surgeons use percussion to determine the presence or absence of fluid in body areas. With the huge progress in surgical instruments, various styles and types of percussion hammers are available today. Therefore, you might find many options in these hammers for different diagnostic purposes.
History of Percussion Hammers
The first hammer for percussion was used in the early 1800s. However, the diagnostic use of the percussion hammer in the knee-jerk reflex was recognized in the late 1870s. This recognition was the catalyst for widespread research into tendon reflexes. Even today, deep tendon reflexes are a vital part of neurological exams.
Chest percussion was already popular before the discovery of reflex percussion diagnostics. However, the chest percussion hammers were unsuitable for testing the tendon reflexes. Therefore, a different hammer was designed specifically for reflex testing. The hammers we still use today evolved from these reflex hammers into distinct types according to their diagnostic purposes.
Types of Percussion Hammers
Despite many technological advances, the use of the hammer in diagnostics has remained unchanged for many decades. The reflex hammer remains a hallmark of any diagnostic kit that medical professionals might use. However, today you will find a variety of types of percussion hammers that vary in their design and use. Although there are various percussion hammers, most physicians prefer some general hammers.
In the following sections, you will learn about the common percussion hammers, including their applications, designs, and variations.
Taylor Percussion Hammer
Taylor Hammer is a diagnostic instrument to check reflexes. The physicians use it for testing patellar reflexes and myotatic reflexes. In addition, the tapered tip elicits plantar reflexes. This tool is distinguishable by its unique triangular head with one end pointed and the other straight.
Use
For general diagnostic evaluation of deep tendon reflexes.
This tool can accommodate adult and pediatric patients.
Useful for checking the patellar reflex.
For chest percussion
Part of any neurological physical examination.
Babinsky Percussion Hammer
Babinski Hammer is an instrument for testing reflexes. Most neurologists use it to check reflexes and the nervous system. Its tough round rubber head helps elicit the most subtle reflex responses. In addition, this head, as well as the pointed end for prick, are removable. The unique telescoping design allows it easier to carry and store.
Use
- Elicit the most subtle reflexes with only minimal effort.
- Tough round rubber head for eliciting a reflex reaction.
- Pointed end piece for testing nervous system response through pinprick sensation.
- Well-suited for multiple testing procedures.
- To test bone fractures and joint reflexes.
Where to purchase Percussion Hammer?
As a professional, you require a reliable Percussion Hammer for proper diagnostics. You will find many platforms to purchase these products. The GerMedUSA.com is a reliable platform for various surgical tools. They offer German forged instruments that are autoclavable and reusable. Additionally, the range of tools is versatile with many different sizes. Medical practitioners must rely on durable and quality tools for perfect diagnostics and treatment. A good tool will let professionals facilitate their patients accordingly. In addition, it will improve the diagnostics and make it stress-free for you.
Conclusion
Percussion hammers were once the identity of a doctor, which still have extensive use in diagnostics. The doctors use these to evaluate reflexes and the nervous system working. In addition, percussion hammers are available in many types. Taylor Hammer and Babinski Hammer are popular types preferred by most physicians. Each varies in design and use. You can purchase from any reliable platform like GerMedUSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the use of a percussion hammer?
Percussion hammers’ are diagnostic instruments that are for testing deep tendon reflexes. In addition, neurologists use it to examine the nervous system externally. The different percussion hammers diagnose different areas, such as knees, chest, etc.
How do you use a percussion hammer?
Hold the hammer firmly between the thumb and index finger. Ensure that the muscle you are testing is neither stretched nor contracted, then strike the tendon in a single stroke. The hammer should move in a swift arc and in a controlled direction.
How to clean a percussion hammer?
It is essential to clean the percussion hammer before use. You can use a cotton cloth, or a swab dipped in an alcohol solution to cleanse. Avoid prolonged instrument exposure to excessive heat, cold, solvents, moisture, or oils.
