The Achilles reflex tests which nerve root and how is it performed?

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Multiple Choice

The Achilles reflex tests which nerve root and how is it performed?

The Achilles reflex primarily tests the S1 nerve root. To perform it, have the patient relax the leg and place the foot in slight dorsiflexion to stretch the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, then strike the Achilles tendon with a reflex hammer. A normal response is plantarflexion of the foot. Dorsiflexion helps by lengthening the calf muscle-tendon unit, making the reflex more evident. This reflex is not primarily a test of L5 or L4, and plantarflexing the foot or a knee-only position aren’t the standard ways to elicit it.

The Achilles reflex primarily tests the S1 nerve root. To perform it, have the patient relax the leg and place the foot in slight dorsiflexion to stretch the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, then strike the Achilles tendon with a reflex hammer. A normal response is plantarflexion of the foot. Dorsiflexion helps by lengthening the calf muscle-tendon unit, making the reflex more evident. This reflex is not primarily a test of L5 or L4, and plantarflexing the foot or a knee-only position aren’t the standard ways to elicit it.

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