Which joint has the pattern internal rotation greater than flexion, with abduction equal to extension?

• A. Internal rotation pattern in the hip is unique
• B. Tibiofemoral joint
• C. Talocalcaneal joint
• D. Carpometacarpal joints

Answer: (A)

Joints tend to have characteristic ways their motions relate to one another, and the hip is distinctive in this regard. The hip’s structure—a deep ball-and-socket joint with a strong capsule and surrounding ligaments—means the way internal rotation couples with other moves depends on the leg’s position in a way that isn’t seen in the other joints listed. When you consider a pattern where the amount of internal rotation follows a particular relationship to flexion and where abduction aligns with extension, the hip’s ROM relationship best fits that description. The knee (tibiofemoral), the subtalar (talocalcaneal), and the thumb CMC joints each have their own different patterns of restriction and coupling, so they don’t match this specific relationship as well. That’s why the hip’s internal rotation pattern is considered unique and the best match for this description.