Which end feel is typical for a joint with capsular involvement when motion is restricted?

Which end feel is typical for a joint with capsular involvement when motion is restricted?

• A. Hard end feel
• B. Firm end feel with slight give
• C. Soft end feel
• D. Empty end feel

Answer: (B)

End feel reflects what tissue is resisting motion at the end of ROM. When a joint is restricted because the capsule is involved, the capsular structures (capsule and ligaments) become taut and stop movement with a firm, leathery resistance. The capsule isn’t completely stiff, so there is a small amount of give as it stretches slightly before the limit is reached. That combination—firm resistance with a little give—is characteristic of capsular involvement. This differs from a hard end feel, which comes from bone-on-bone contact; a soft end feel, which comes from soft tissue approximation; and an empty end feel, which occurs when pain or guarding prevents reaching the end of ROM.

End feel reflects what tissue is resisting motion at the end of ROM. When a joint is restricted because the capsule is involved, the capsular structures (capsule and ligaments) become taut and stop movement with a firm, leathery resistance. The capsule isn’t completely stiff, so there is a small amount of give as it stretches slightly before the limit is reached. That combination—firm resistance with a little give—is characteristic of capsular involvement.

This differs from a hard end feel, which comes from bone-on-bone contact; a soft end feel, which comes from soft tissue approximation; and an empty end feel, which occurs when pain or guarding prevents reaching the end of ROM.