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What is the range of motion of the knee joint?

Published in Knee Joint Anatomy 1 min read

The normal range of motion of the knee joint typically includes flexion up to 135-155 degrees, extension to 0 degrees, and a slight degree of internal and external rotation. Let's break that down:

  • Flexion: This refers to bending the knee, bringing the heel towards the buttocks. A healthy knee can typically flex between 135 and 155 degrees.

  • Extension: This refers to straightening the knee. Ideally, a healthy knee can extend to 0 degrees. Some individuals may even have a slight hyperextension (beyond 0 degrees), but this is not considered the norm.

  • Rotation: The knee also allows for a small amount of internal (medial) and external (lateral) rotation. The extent of rotation varies from person to person.

It's important to note that these are just typical ranges. Individual variations exist depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and overall flexibility. People with hypermobility may have a wider range of motion.

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