Capsular Patterns

Question 1

Shoulder

Answer 1

ER>abd>IR

External rotation is more limited than abduction which is more limited than internal rotation

Question 2

Humeroulnar joint and humeroradial joint

Answer 2

Flex>ext

Flexion is more limited than extension

Question 3

Proximal and distal radioulnar joints

Answer 3

Equally limited in pronation and supination

Question 4

Wrist

Answer 4

Equal limitation in flexion and extension and a slight limitation in radial and ulnar deviation

Question 5

Finger MCP joints

Answer 5

flex=ext

Amount of limitation in flexion is the same as the limitation in extension

Question 6

Finger IP joints

Answer 6

flex=ext

The amount of limitation in flexion equals the amount of limitation in extension

Question 7

Thumb CMC joint

Answer 7

abd

Abduction is limited. Some people say abduction and extension are limited.

Question 8

Thumb MCP joint

Answer 8

Restricted in all motions, flex>ext

Question 9

Thumb IP joint

Answer 9

flex = ext

Question 10

What are capsular patterns?

Answer 10

Pathological conditions involving the entire joint capsule cause a particular pattern of restriction involving all or most of the passive motions of the joint.

Question 11

How does the restriction of capsular patterns work?

Answer 11

Restrictions do not involve a fixed number of degrees for each motion but rather a fixed proportion of one motion relative to another motion.

Question 12

What is the capsular pattern for C2-C7?

Answer 12

Equal limitations in all motions except flexion. Flexion is minimally limited.

Question 13

What is the capsular pattern for thoracic spine?

Answer 13

Greater limitation of ext, lat flex, and rot than of flex.

Question 14

What is the capsular pattern for the lumbar spine?

Answer 14

Marked and equal limitation in lat flex, followed by flex, and ext.

Question 15

What is the capsular pattern for TMJ?

Answer 15

Mandibular depression is limited.