Joint Integrity Flashcards
PROM is greater than AROM if…
atrophy, muscle weakness, poor nerve recruitment (in either PNS or CNS) and fear
What can PROM be used for?
Joint Mobility Assessment
What is Accessory Motion
Small motions of the joint that cannot be isolated in AROM
What does Accessory Motion tell us?
capsule or ligament integrity
Possible reasons for inability to extend knee
Ligaments have shortened (or any other structural problems with the joint)
Tight quad muscles (or pain, guarding)
Possible Dx from Test of Accessory Motion
Sprain (CT joints and capsules overstretched)
Strain (m. and tendon overstretched)
What is an “end feel?”
Sensation felt by the examiner as the patient approaches end range of motion
Soft end feel:
tissue approximation/non-distinct
Hard end feel:
bony
hard stop to motion with no give
Firm/capsular end feel:
normal physiologic PROM
“like a leather shoe lace”
Guarding/spasm/painful end feel:
joint is unhappy enough that it doesn’t allow full ROM
Empty end feel:
no mechanical limit to the motion, but so painful that you mercifully end the test
most serious
