Capsular pattern is defined as what?

• A. A universal restriction of motion in all joints
• B. Joint-specific pattern of motion restriction that is due to impairment or pathology
• C. A pattern caused by patient fear of movement
• D. A random variation in joint motion

Answer: (B)

Capsular pattern describes a joint-specific, predictable pattern of restricted motion that results from pathology involving the joint capsule and related structures. In a true capsular pattern, several directions are limited in a characteristic order and to a similar degree, reflecting capsule involvement rather than isolated muscle guarding or a single-plane restriction. This helps distinguish intra-articular problems from other causes of limited movement. For example, the shoulder often shows a particular sequence of motion loss, with external rotation most limited and other motions following in a defined pattern. If motion loss were universal across all joints, caused by fear of movement, or appeared random, that would not fit a capsular pattern.