Common Capsular Patterns (NPTE)

What is a capsular pattern?

A series of limitations of joint movement when the joint capsule is a limiting structure.

TMJ

Limitation of mouth opening

Cervical spine

side flexion and rotation equally limited, extension

Glenohumeral

ER, abduction, IR

Sternoclavicular

pain at extreme ROM, especially horizontal adduction and full elevation

Acromioclavicular

pain at extreme ROM, especially horizontal adduction and full elevation

Ulno-humeral

flexion, extension

Radio-humeral

flexion, extension, pronation, supination

Proximal radioulnar

supination, pronation equally limited

Disal radioulnar

full ROM, pain at extreme of rotation

Radiocarpal

flexion and extension equally limited

Carpometacarpal (thumb)

adduction, extension

Thoracic spine

side flexion and rotation equally limited, extension

Lumbar spine

side flexion and rotation equally limited, extension

Hip

flexion, abduction, IR

Knee

flexion, extension

Talocrural

PF, DF

Talocalcaneal

limitation of ROM