clasp-knife rigidity
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rigidity
[rĭ-jid´ĭ-te]inflexibility or stiffness.
clasp-knife rigidity increased tension in the extensor of a joint when it is passively flexed, giving way suddenly on exertion of further pressure; seen especially in upper motor neuron disease. Called also clasp-knife reflex.
cogwheel rigidity tension in a muscle that gives way in little jerks when the muscle is passively stretched; seen in parkinson's disease.
decerebrate rigidity see decerebrate rigidity.
decorticate rigidity see decorticate rigidity.
paratonic rigidity an intermittent abnormal increase in resistance to passive movement in a comatose patient.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
clasp-knife spas·tic·i·ty
a type of increased muscle tone due to a pyramidal tract lesion, in which abnormally increased resistance to passive stretch of a muscle abruptly decreases; typically, this appears near the end of the range of joint excursion.
See also: lengthening reaction.
See also: lengthening reaction.
Synonym(s): clasp-knife effect, clasp-knife rigidity
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
clasp-knife spas·ti·ci·ty
, clasp-knife rigidity (klaspnīf' spas-tis'i-tē, ri-jid'i-tē)Initial increased resistance to stretch of the extensor muscles of a joint that give way rather suddenly, allowing the joint then to be easily flexed; the rigidity is due to an exaggeration of the stretch reflex.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
clasp-knife spas·ti·ci·ty
, clasp-knife rigidity (klaspnīf' spas-tis'i-tē, ri-jid'i-tē)Initial increased resistance to stretch of the extensor muscles of a joint that give way rather suddenly, allowing the joint then to be easily flexed; the rigidity is due to an exaggeration of the stretch reflex.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012