Capsular Patterns of Extremity Joints

Question 1

Glenohumeral Joint

Answer 1

Greatest loss of lateral rotation, moderate loss of abduction, minimal loss of medial rotation

Question 2

Elbow complex (humeroulner, humeroradial, proximal radioulnar joints)

Answer 2

Loss of flexion greater than loss of extension; rotations full and painless except in advanced cases

Question 3

Forearm (proximal and distal radioulnar joints)

Answer 3

Equal loss of supination and pronation, only occurring if elbow has marked restrictions of flexion and extension.

Question 4

Wrist (radiocarpal and midcarpal joints)

Answer 4

Equal loss of flexion and extension, slight loss of ulnar and radial deviation (Cyriax)

Equal loss of all motions (kaltenborn)

Question 5

Hand - Carpometacarpal Joint - digit 1

Answer 5

Loss of abduction (Cyriax); loss of abduction greater than extension (Kaltenborn)

Question 6

Hand - Carpometacarpal joint - Digits 2-5

Answer 6

Equal loss of all motions

Question 7

Hand - Metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints

Answer 7

Equal loss of flexion and extension (Cyriax);

Restricted in all motions, but loss of flexion greater than loss of other motions (Kaltenborn)

Question 8

Hip

Answer 8

Greatest loss of medial rotation and flexion, some loss of abduction, sight loss of extension; little or no loss of adduction and lateral rotation (Cyriax)

Greatest loss of medial rotation, followed by less restriction of extension, abduction, flexion, and lateral rotation (Kaltenborn)

Question 9

Knee (tibiofemoral joint)

Answer 9

Loss of flexion greater than extension

Question 10

Ankle (talocrural joint)

Answer 10

loss of plantarflexion greater than dorsifexion

Question 11

Subtalar Joint

Answer 11

Loss of inversion (varus)

Question 12

Midtarsal joint

Answer 12

Loss of inversion (adduction and medial rotation); other motions full

Question 13

Foot - Metatarsophalangeal Joint - digit 1

Answer 13

Loss of extension greater than flexion

Question 14

Foot - Metatarsophalangeal joint - digits 2-5

Answer 14

Loss of flexion greater than extension

Question 15

Foot - Interphalangeal joints

Answer 15

Loss of extension greater than flexion