Hip
Evidence: confirmed
Hip Range of Motion Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Measuring physiological limits of the hip joint.
How to Perform
- Flexion: 110-120° (Knee bent).
- Extension: 10-30°.
- Abduction: 30-50°.
- Adduction: 30°.
- External Rotation: 45-60°.
- Internal Rotation: 30-40°.
Clinical Tips & Notes
| MOTION | AVERAGE RANGE (Magee) | FUNCTIONAL (Walking) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexion | 120° | 30° |
| Extension | 30° | 10° |
| Abduction | 45° | 5° |
| Adduction | 30° | 5° |
| Int. Rotation | 45° | 5° |
| Ext. Rotation | 45° | 10° |
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Hip Range of Motion should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Hip region, combining the Hip Range of Motion with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
