Piotrowski's Reflex
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Piotrowski's reflex is a clinical sign involving the contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle and plantar flexion of the foot when percussion is applied to the tibialis anterior muscle. This reflex is characteristic of spastic conditions and serves as an indicator of upper motor neuron lesions in neurological examinations.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
PIOTROWSKI'S REFLEX (Piotrowski), contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle and plantar flexion of the foot (as in the Achilles reflex) upon percussion with a hammer on the tibialis anterior muscle between the tibial tuberosity and the head of the fibula. A convenient position for eliciting the reflex is with the leg bent at the knee and the foot held in a position of moderate dorsal flexion. Piotrowski's reflex is characteristic of spastic conditions.
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Cite this page
“Piotrowski's Reflex.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/piotrowskis-reflex/