Execution
- 1Position the patient supine or sitting with the knee supported.
- 2Passively flex and extend the knee while comparing the opposite side.
- 3Assess passive tibial medial and lateral rotation with the knee flexed if rotation is relevant.
- 4Apply careful overpressure only when safe and record end feel, pain, guarding, and crepitus.
- 5Note whether the pattern follows the knee capsular pattern, with flexion much more limited than extension.
Positive outcome
Abnormal findings: loss of passive flexion or extension, painful overpressure, abnormal end feel, or a capsular pattern.
Expected end-feels- Flexion: soft tissue approximation
- Extension: firm capsular or tissue-stretch
Knee capsular pattern: flexion much more limited than extension. Interpret PROM with swelling, muscle guarding, and mechanical block signs; it is not a pathology-specific diagnostic test.
CommentPROM helps separate pain-inhibited active movement from passive joint or soft tissue restriction. It should be interpreted with swelling, muscle guarding, and mechanical block signs. It is not a pathology-specific diagnostic test.
Low Clinical Value