Joint Mobilization (Week 4) Flashcards
What is the loose-pack and close-pack position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint?
• Loose-pack: Maximum dorsiflexion
• Close-pack: 10° plantarflexion
What is the typical movement of the distal fibula during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion?
• Dorsiflexion: The distal fibula moves superiorly and externally rotates.
• Plantarflexion: The distal fibula moves inferiorly and internally rotates.
What is the patient position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Anterior Glide?
The ankle is supported by a pillow or towel roll.
Describe the therapist’s position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Anterior Glide.
The therapist is at the end of the table:
• Stabilizing/medial hand: Holds the distal tibia/medial malleolus.
• Mobilizing/lateral hand: Grasps the distal fibula/lateral malleolus.
How is the mobilization performed for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Anterior Glide?
• Mobilize (pull or push) the fibula/lateral malleolus anteriorly.
• Use body weight.
What is the primary use of the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Anterior Glide?
To improve dorsiflexion.
What is the patient position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Posterior Glide?
Supine or prone with the ankle supported by a pillow or towel roll.
Describe the therapist’s position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Posterior Glide.
The therapist is at the end of the table:
• Stabilizing/medial hand: Holds the distal tibia/medial malleolus.
• Mobilizing/lateral hand: Grasps the distal fibula/lateral malleolus.
How is the mobilization performed for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Posterior Glide?
• Mobilize (pull or push) the fibula/lateral malleolus posteriorly.
• Use body weight.
What is the primary use of the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Posterior Glide?
To improve plantarflexion.
What is the patient position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Superior Glide?
Supine or prone with the ankle supported by a pillow or towel roll.
Describe the therapist’s position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Superior Glide.
The therapist is at the end of the table:
• Stabilizing/medial hand: Holds the distal tibia/medial malleolus.
• Mobilizing/lateral hand: Grasps the distal fibula/lateral malleolus.
How is the mobilization performed for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Superior Glide?
• Mobilize (push) the fibula/lateral malleolus superiorly.
• Use body weight.
What is the primary use of the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Superior Glide?
To improve dorsiflexion.
What is the patient position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Inferior Glide?
Supine or prone with the ankle supported by a pillow or towel roll.
Describe the therapist’s position for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Inferior Glide.
The therapist is at the end of the table:
• Stabilizing/medial hand: Holds the distal tibia/medial malleolus.
• Mobilizing/lateral hand: Grasps the distal fibula/lateral malleolus.
• Option: Facing the dorsum of the foot, place the heel of your hand on the superior lateral malleolus.
How is the mobilization performed for the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Inferior Glide?
• Mobilize (pull or push) the fibula/lateral malleolus inferiorly.
• Use body weight.
What is the primary use of the Distal Tibiofibular Joint Inferior Glide?
To improve plantarflexion.
How does the fibular head move during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion?
• During dorsiflexion: The fibular head moves superiorly and externally rotates.
• During plantarflexion: The fibular head moves inferiorly and internally rotates.
What is the loose-pack and close-pack position for the Proximal Tibiofibular Joint?
Loose-pack position: 0° plantarflexion.
Close-pack position: Full dorsiflexion.
What is the patient position for Proximal Tibiofibular Joint glides?
Supine, with the hip and knee flexed, and the foot flat on the table.
How should the therapist position themselves for Proximal Tibiofibular Joint glides?
• Sitting on the patient’s foot (use a barrier).
• Stabilizing/medial hand: Positioned over the proximal anterior tibia/tibial tuberosity.
Mobilizing/lateral hand:
• Thumb or thenar eminence is positioned on the anterior surface of the fibular head.
• Fingers wrap posteriorly around the lateral head of the gastrocnemius.
How is an anterior glide performed for the Proximal Tibiofibular Joint?
• Use the fingers of the mobilizing hand to mobilize the fibular head anteriorly.
• Use body weight during mobilization.
How is a posterior glide performed for the Proximal Tibiofibular Joint?
• Use the thumb or thenar eminence of the mobilizing hand to mobilize the fibular head posteriorly.
• Use body weight during mobilization.
What precautions should the therapist take during Proximal Tibiofibular Joint mobilizations?
Avoid compressing the common peroneal nerve during mobilization.
What are the uses of Proximal Tibiofibular Joint anterior and posterior glides?
• To improve general ankle mobility.
• To reduce positional faults at the superior tib-fib joint.
Why are rotational movements at the superior tib-fib joint inconsistent?
Due to structural variations in the joint.
