For talocrural anterior glide, what is the loose-packed position?

• A. Neutral
• B. 20 degree PF
• C. 20 degree DF
• D. 30 degree PF

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the loose-packed (open-packed) position of a joint is when the capsule is relaxed and the joint surfaces are least congruent, which allows for easier access to accessory motions like glides.

For the talocrural joint, this position is around 20 degrees of plantarflexion. In plantarflexion, the joint is less compressed and the capsule is more lax, so an anterior glide of the talus relative to the tibia can be performed more readily and with less resistance. In contrast, full dorsiflexion tightens the joint, making it closer to a closed-packed position where mobilizations are harder to achieve.

So the looseness of the joint in about 20 degrees of plantarflexion explains why that angle is chosen for anterior glide techniques at the talocrural joint.