Postural Deviations

1- Kyphotic Lordotic Posture

ankle: slight PF

knee: slight hyperextension

pelvis: anterior tilt

L spine: increased ext/lordosis

T spine: increased flex/kyphosis

scapulae: abducted

C spine: hyperextended

head: forward

what muscles are elongated in kyphotic lordotic posture?

cervical flexors, middle/lower trap & rhomboids, thoracic erector spinae, external oblique

what muscles are shortened in kyphotic lordotic posture?

neck extensors, hip flexors, lumbar extensors

2- flat back posture

ankle: slight PF

knee: extended

hip: extended

pelvis: posterior tilt

L spine: straight/increased flexion

T spine:

upper- increased flexion

lower- decreased flexion/straight

c spine: slightly extended

head: forward

what muscles are elongated with flat back posture?

hip flexors

what muscles are shortened with flat back posture?

hamstrings, abdominals

3- sway back posture

ankle: neutral

knee: hyperextended

hip: hyperextended, anterior displacement

pelvis: posterior tilt

L spine: straight/increased flexion

T spine: increased flexion, posterior displacement

C spine: slightly extended

head: forward

what muscles are elongated with sway back posture?

hip flexors, external oblique, thoracic erector spinae, cervical flexors

what muscles are shortened with sway back posture?

hamstrings, upper abdominals

4- flexed knee posture

LOG - posterior to knee joint (creates external flexion moment)

must be balanced by internal extension moment by quads

creates tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint compression stress

5- hyperextended knee posture

LOG - anterior to knee joint (creates increase in external extensor moment)

increases extent of hyperextension & tension stress of posterior capsule

greater compression on anterior knee joint

lengthens posterior capsule & cruciate ligaments

excessive anterior tilt

lower lumbar vertebrae anterior

upper lumbar vertebrae move posterior to keep head over sacrum

increases lordosis

LOG- greater distance= increased extension moment

forward head posture

increased cervical lordosis

LOG- anterior= flexion moment

constant isometric muscle tension to support head

abnormal compression of posterior portions

pes planus

flat foot- increased calcaneal eversion

reduced/absent medial arch

flexible or rigid

pes cavus

high arch- more stable, WB on lateral border of foot

not a good shock absorber

excessive genu valgum

knock knee

lateral compression and medial tension/distraction

pronation of foot

genu varum

bowleg- patella may be displaced medially

physiological- symmetrical

pathological- asymmetrical

medial compression and lateral tension/distraction