Knee
General
Evidence: confirmed
Knee Range of Motion Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Measuring physiological limits.
How to Perform
- Flexion: 0-135°.
- Extension: 0-10° (hyperextension).
- Rotation: Only possible when knee is flexed (Internal: 30°, External: 45°).
Clinical Tips & Notes
| Movement | ROM (Magee) | Functional (Stairs) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexion | 135° | 90-105° |
| Extension | 0-15° | 0° |
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Knee 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 Knee region, combining the Knee Range of Motion with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
