In this article we will be looking at the best reflex hammer for health care providers. If you are a nurse or a health care professional who work closely with neurologists or doctors, then there is the likelihood that you have seen them using reflex hammer on their patient during neurological assessment.
The reflex hammer, also known as plexor or medical reflex hammer is a device designed for testing or examining the reflexes of the deep tendon to access the overall health status of the nervous system. It helps medical practitioners, especially neurologists to diagnose neurological disorders. It has also been used as an instrument for percussion of the chest.
Brief History Of Reflex Hammer
If you are wondering about who is the father of Reflex hammer, his name is J. Madison Taylor. Historically, J. Madison Taylor designed the first Reflex hammer in 1888 at one Philadelphia Orthopaedic Hospital when he was working for S. Weir Mitchell. Following Taylor’s invention comes different types of reflex hammers today.
Taylor’s reflex hammer which has a triangular-shaped head and a short metal handle has been making waves till now. However, many other scientists have created different types of reflex hammers as reflex hammer has become one of medicine most important diagnostic tool.
Types Of Reflex Hammers
Following Taylor’s invention is four different types of medical reflex hammers. All the four types of reflex hammers including Taylor’s do the same job or function the same way but differ a little bit in terms of structure.
- The Taylor’s Type of Hammer: This is also called Tomahawk. This reflex hammer type is the oldest type of reflex hammer. It’s uniquely designed with a triangular-shaped rubber head and a short metal handle. This type is very dominant in the US.
- The Queen Square Reflex Hammer: This type of reflex hammers is designed with a circle or around metallic head that is covered with plastic including a plastic handle. This type of reflex hammers helps in diagnosing plantar. This type of reflex is the most popular in the UK.
- The Babinski Type Of Reflex Hammer: This type shared similarities with the Queen Square hammer when it comes to appearance. But is designed with a metallic hand that can be easily detached. It’s is invited by a neurologist from French who goes by the name Joseph Babinski. The Babinski type of reflex hammers is often referred to as telescoping reflex hammers.
- The Trömner Reflex Hammer Type: This is very different from the various types that we have discussed above. It has a double-headed mallet. The two heads come with a big and I small heads which are both used for testing tendon stretch reflex percussion myotonia respectively. This reflex hammer is named after the inventor, a German neurologist called Ernst Trömner.
- The Berliner Reflex Hammer Type: This type of reflex hammer is designed with a semi-circular -shape head with a metallic handle to bent at and angle, giving the reflex hammer an axe.
The Best 6 Reflex Hammers To Consider Buying In 2021
Below is a detailed review of the best six reflex testing Hammers on the market today. Go ahead and take a look at them.
1. MDF Tromner Neurological Reflex Hammer
The MDF Tromner hammer has made its way to the number one spot on our list of the best reflex hammer because its one of the well-recognised reflex testing hammers that is well-designed with high-quality materials with precision balance. It has a perfect structured detailed unit that helps medical doctors in eliciting the response of muscles, abdominal reflex, and detecting planter sufficiently.
The MDF Tromner hammer also has an in-built Brush for cutaneous and Superficial reflex responses.
Both the head and the handle of the MDF Tromner reflex hammer are designed with a lightweight material. This makes the hammer easy to carry and operate.
Most users of this reflex hammer give it 5 stars, indicating that it is one of the best reflex hammers with the best value for money on the market today.
Features:
- In-built brush
- The hammer has a balance weight
- Two heads
Pros:
- Easy to carry and handles
- Made with durable material
Cons:
- A bit expensive compared to others on the market
For the best reflex testing tool, especially for new doctors, the MDF Tromner Neurological Reflex Hammer is the best to go for.
2. EMI Telescoping Babinski Hammer
The Telescoping Babinski Hammer is another classic reflex testing hammer from Elite Medical Instruments.
This telescoping reflex hammer is designed with a pointed end that serves as a tool for testing nerves response. The head of the telescoping Babinski hammer is made with a very compact rubber for assessing reflex reaction.
The handle which is very tin and designed so for telescoping makes the device very portable for medical officers and neurologists to carry the reflex hammer in their pocket. The Hammer can be extended and collapses as well. When collapse is about 7 inches but 15 inches when extended.
Features:
- Telescopic handle
- The head is adjustable; the head can be turned in two different directions
- The body is Stainless steel
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Multiple functional
- Easy to use in any part of the patient’s body
Cons:
- Does not come with a brush
Looking for the most Sturdy, well priced, lightweight, and well-balanced reflex testing hammer with telescoping handle? EMI Telescoping Babinski Hammer is the best to go for. It’s ideal for medical students and nursing students as well. Don’t hesitate to get one for yourself. You will love it.
3. Primacare DH-3692 Taylor Neuro Hammer
The Primacare DH-3692 Taylor Neuro Hammer is one of the well-known reflex testing hammers. It comes with latex-free and firm triangular rubber head, a Chrome plated metallic handle and a full length of 7.5 inches
The Primacare DH-3692 Taylor Neuro Hammer is by far lighter than other hammers. Its quality rubber head is just right for testing subcutaneous tendon reflexes. It’s also best for chest percussion.
This hammer’s latex-free high-quality rubber head is very durable. With proper care for this hammer, you don’t have to worry about buying another reflex hammer.
Features:
- 7.5 inches long
- Durable Rubber Head
- Lightweight
- Plated metallic handle
- Latex-free
Pros:
- High-quality material
- Multi-functional features
- Modern design
- Less expensive
Cons:
- Too light
Looking for a reflex hammer with high-quality rubber head for testing subcutaneous tendon reflexes, and also for chest percussion? If yes, then try this hammer.
4. U.S. Army Reflex Hammer
The U.S. Army Reflex Hammer is The Taylor Reflex Hammer Type of reflex hammer that is ergonomically designed with a neurological filament that 7.5 centimetres in length.
The hammer has triangular rubber head that is deep blue. It’s also Latex-free. The U.S. Army Reflex Hammer comes with a curve metallic handle on which is indentations that helpful when it comes to getting a good swing, more especially when you are using your wrist to get the swing motion instead of your whole arm.
There is a retractor on the handle of this reflex testing hammer that helps in testing sensation. The tool itself is plastic and reminds me of a thicker fishing line.
This study and stylish reflex hammer does the job well! its unique shape and design can help you to easily identify it when you borrow it to someone.
Features:
- Retractor on the handle
- A curve handle
- Triangular rubber head
Pros:
- Made with high quality materials
- Very stylish and fashionable
- Very cheap
Cons:
- Filament is always useful but occasionally used
If you need a reflex hammer that can also serve as a monofilament tool, then go in for this neuro reflex hammer. It’s 2 in one with a great price. I recommend!
5. EMI Buck Reflex Testing Medical Hammer
The EMI Buck reflex hammer is a 3 in one Neurological Reflex Testing Medical Hammer. The design features a Dual Mallet Buck Hammer, including a removable brush that is positioned at the base for eliciting cutaneous reflexes. At the top of this hammer is a removable neurological needle.
The head of the 3-inand-one buck hammer is made of dual rubber which is great for measuring the sensitivity of nerves and testing reflexes.
The handle on which is the removable brush for eliciting cutaneous reflex is chrome plated.
Features:
- Buck Reflex Hammer
- 7 centimetres in length
- 2.5 centimetres wide head
- Removable pin/needle and a brush
Pros:
- Light to carry
- Very affordable
- Made with great material
Cons:
- Sometimes the brush doesn’t fix properly when removed
- Small and not that much solid
The EMI Buck Reflex Testing Medical Hammer even though not the best but can get the job done easily for you.
6. TENFLY Tromner Reflex Hammer
The TENFLY Tromner Reflex Hammer is a very solid reflex testing hammer that is made of high quality zinc alloy & silicone material. This neurological reflex hammer is light in weight and very comfortable when held in hand.
The hammer is a 3-in-one dual mallet-type reflex hammer. It comes with an additional testing device at the base of it crafted handle that is responsible for electing myotatic including cutaneous sensory response in both adult and kids. Its sharp tip also contributes greatly in testing sensations.
The handle of TENFLY Tromner Reflex Hammer is well designed to provide users with a comfortable feeling during patient examination.
Features:
- Zinc and Silicone Metallic material
- Black and Silver colours
- About 8.66 inches
- Outfitted hammer with large and small mallets
Pros:
- Made of high-quality materials
- Very ergonomical
- Very affordable
- Best for medical students
- 30 days money-back guarantee
Cons:
- The end of the actual head of this hammer easily falls out
Even though this hammer is made of high quality materials, many users say it’s not the best reflex hammer to spend on. However, manufacturers assured buyers that all their latest production undergo various quality control stages to ensure that customers are offered high-quality product. So you can give it a try since it not expensive.
Choosing The Best Reflex Hammer
There are many factors to consider when choosing reflex hammer as a student, a neurologist or a medical practitioner. Not choosing the right reflex hammer can lead to wrong assessment and diagnosis
It’s therefore important to consider factors such as the total makeup of the hammer; the head of the hammer, the handle of the hammer, the type of hammer, the features of the hammer and the quality of the hammer.
It’s also important to put into consideration the weight, balance and the striking precision of the head of the hammer.
Consider The Head
When it come to Head of the hammer, it important to understand that the 5 different types of hammers described above have different shapes of heads; their own unique heads for conducting specific neuro assessment. The best way to figure out which hammer head to buy is find out the exact assessment of you will be using the hammer for before pulling your credit card to make a purchase.
Consider The Handle
As stated above, Handle design is another important factor to consider when purchasing a reflex hammer. The variations in hammer and handles of hammers play a big roll in the counter-balance of the hammer. A hammer with a poor handle can make your work very difficult and frustrating. Make sure you go in for hammers with a well-designed handle will make your work easy for you. Also, understand that hammers with round head such as Babinski hammer and Queen Square have handles that are thin and straight. This enable the head to swing 360 degrees for easy assessment. However, Taylor reflex hammer and Tromner reflex hammers comes with handle that broad at the base. This allows accurate handling of the during patient assessment.
Consider The Accessories
Depending on your needs, you should also consider the hammer that comes with accessories such as brush, pin or needles.
Final Conclusion
A careful look at the accessories of the hammer, the head, the handle and the weight of the hammer should help you to discover a hammer with a good balance and design to put you on top of you job.
