By the late 19th - early 20th centuries, reflex testing became an important part of the neurology physical exam. Instrument designs evolved rapidly, moving beyond multipurpose percussion tools to hammers optimized for specific reflexes and sensory assessments. Clinicians experimented with different materials, shapes, and multi-surface designs to improve precision, comfort, and diagnostic reliability.
Tr枚mner Hammers
Ernst Tr枚mner 鈥� Germany, 1910
Developed by German neurologist Ernst Tr枚mner, this dual-headed rubber hammer emphasized precision over force. Careful placement of the strike, rather than a harder tap, was key to eliciting an accurate reflex. Tr枚mner鈥檚 philosophy of delicate, targeted percussion continues to influence reflex hammers in Europe today.
Dejerine & Ebstein Hammers
Jospeh Dejerine & William Ebstein 鈥� France & USA, 1912
Dejerine and Ebstein each introduced variations of a reflex hammer designed for testing the plantar reflex. Its sleek metal shaft and disc-shaped head allowed precise, targeted strikes, reflecting the growing importance of the plantar reflex in neurology. As with other models, some versions included additional features such as pins for testing touch sensations.
Babinski-Rabiner Hammer
Joseph Babinski & Albert Rabiner 鈥� France & USA, 1920
Building on Babinski鈥檚 work in plantar reflex testing, Rabiner refined the hammer by adding an adjustable rotating head. This allowed the examiner to change the angle and orientation of the head for more precise, controlled taps, improving accuracy.
Queen Square Hammer
Miss Wintle 鈥� England, 1925
Invented by Miss Wintle, a nurse in charge of physiotherapy and radiology at London鈥檚 National Hospital, the Queen Square hammer featured a bamboo handle with a brass disk head encircled by a soft rubber ring. Still standard in the UK today, it exemplifies both utility and elegance.聽
