Which joint has no capsular pattern?

• A. Tibiofemoral joint
• B. Talocrural joint
• C. Midtarsal joint
• D. Superior tibiofibular joint

Answer: (D)

A capsular pattern is a characteristic, predictable loss of range of motion that reflects involvement of the joint capsule itself. When the capsule is affected, most motions are restricted in a specific order, giving a recognizable pattern. Many large synovial joints show this behavior because the capsule and synovial tissues limit motion together. But not every joint follows this rule; some joints don’t have a true capsular pattern because their motion is governed more by ligaments, bone constraints, or surrounding structures rather than a cohesive capsule.

The superior tibiofibular joint is such a case. It’s a small plane-type synovial joint whose movement is minimal and mainly stabilized by surrounding ligaments and the interosseous membrane rather than by a capsule that imposes a consistent sequence of motion loss. Because there isn’t a single, repeatable pattern of restriction tied to the capsule, it doesn’t exhibit a capsular pattern. In contrast, the knee and ankle joints have well-described capsular patterns due to their more pronounced capsules, and the midtarsal region can show patterned limitations when capsules and ligaments are involved.