Cervical Spine & Knee Capsular Pattern Quiz

What is the capsular pattern of the glenohumeral joint?

What is the capsular pattern of the cervical spine?

What is the capsular pattern of restriction of the ulnohumeral joint?

What is the capsular pattern of restriction of the knee joint?

The greatest anticipated range of motion restriction in a patient with a capsular limitation at the glenohumeral joint would be:

The greatest anticipated range of motion restriction in a patient with a capsular limitation at the proximal radioulnar joint would be?

What is the capsular pattern for the talocrural joint?

Which condition would be most likely to contribute to a capsular pattern?

What movements are commonly restricted with the capsular pattern of the hip?

Which pattern of restriction would indicate a capsular pattern at the radiocarpal joint?

Glenohumeral Joint

Capsular pattern: lateral rotation, abduction, medial rotation.
Common condition: Adhesive capsulitis, characterized by restrictions in lateral rotation and abduction.

Cervical Spine

Capsular pattern: lateral flexion and rotation equally limited, extension.
Close packed position: full extension.
Loose packed position: midway between flexion and extension.

Ulnohumeral Joint

Capsular pattern: flexion > extension.
Indicates that elbow flexion restrictions exceed those of elbow extension.
A sign of possible pathology relating to the joint capsule.

Knee Joint

Capsular pattern: flexion > extension.
Shows knee flexion is more restricted than knee extension.
Potential indication of joint capsule-related pathology.

Proximal Radioulnar Joint

Greatest restriction: supination.
Capsular pattern reflects limitations in both pronation and supination, with supination being the most affected.

Talocrural Joint

Capsular pattern: plantar flexion restricted greater than dorsiflexion.
Restriction indicates capsule pathology and may elicit pain, leading to muscle inhibition of motion.

Ligamentous Adhesions

Most likely to contribute to a capsular pattern.
Adhesions restrict motion by making affected ligaments less extensible, leading to pain and functional limitations.

Hip Joint

Capsular pattern: flexion, abduction, medial rotation.
The hip joint is formed by the convex femur head and concave acetabulum.

Radiocarpal Joint

Capsular restriction indicated by: flexion and extension equally limited.
Represents a specific sign of capsular involvement at the radiocarpal joint.

Test your knowledge of the capsular patterns associated with various joints, particularly the glenohumeral joint. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of joint mobility and related conditions like adhesive capsulitis.