The essential tool for medical diagnostics

The Buck’s hammer is an essential tool in physical examination, used to assess a patient’s muscle reflexes and skin sensitivity.

The Buck hammer It is a diagnostic medical instrument used to assess a patient’s muscle reflexes and neurological sensitivity. It combines three tools in one: a rubber head (for reflexes), a needle (for deep sensation) and a brush (for superficial sensation).
An essential tool in neurological examination for diagnosing possible dysfunctions in the nerve and muscle pathways.

MAIN FUNCTIONS

Reflex assessment: The rubber mallet is used to gently tap tendons in areas such as the knee, elbow or ankle in order to observe involuntary motor responses (the patient’s reflexes). It is important to note whether these involuntary motor responses are normal or not. There may be an absence of reflexes (areflexia), which could suggest damage to the peripheral nervous system or neuropathies. Conversely, there are cases where there are more reflexes than normal (hyperreflexia), which could indicate problems with the central nervous system.

Sensitivity tests: includes attachments on the handle for carrying out sensory tests:

• Needle test: This is carried out on the upper body and forms part of the neurological examination to assess the function of the peripheral nerves and their ability to transmit pain and touch signals to the brain. If, during the test, the patient does not feel the prick, this indicates a disturbance in the nerve pathway.
• Brush: Located at the base of the handle, this tool is used in neurological examination to assess the integrity of the sensory nervous system (superficial tactile sensation). A lack of sensation may suggest spinal cord lesions or brain disorders (such as multiple sclerosis). If the gentle touch of the brush causes pain, this indicates central sensitisation, which is common in neuropathic pain.

The Buck hammer is mainly used by neurologists, GPs and medical students. It is also commonly used by physiotherapists and paediatricians during routine check-ups to assess whether motor and sensory development is progressing as it should.