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

• A. 20 degree plantarflexion
• B. Neutral
• C. 20 degree dorsiflexion
• D. 30 degree plantarflexion

Answer: (A)

In this joint, the open (loose) packed position is when the joint capsule is lax and the joint surfaces have the most space, making it easier to perform mobilizations. For the talocrural joint, that loose-packed position occurs in plantarflexion around 20 degrees. In this position, the mortise is less congruent, the joint space is greater, and a posterior glide can be applied more freely to help increase dorsiflexion. Neutral or dorsiflexion positions tighten the joint more (approaching a close-packed state), which is less conducive to this maneuver. The 20-degree plantarflexion estimate is a common, practical guideline used in practice.