Physical Exam

Knee Passive Range of Motion

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient supine and relaxed, steady the thigh with one hand and cradle the heel in the other, and passively flex each knee by bringing the heel toward the buttock until the movement stops. Then passively straighten the knee and note whether it reaches full extension, with the upper hand over the front of the joint to feel for crepitus as the knee moves. Take each direction only to the point of resistance or discomfort rather than forcing it. Compare sides and note any pain or restriction.

How to Interpret

Knee Osteoarthritis

Crepitus felt over the knee as the joint is moved

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

HelpfulDerived CI

Evidence:Limited

Restricted knee movement (reduced range of motion on examination)

Rule in

Somewhat helpfulNo CI

Rule out

Not helpfulNo CI

Evidence:Limited

References

Zhang W, Doherty M, Peat G, Bierma-Zeinstra MA, Arden NK, Bresnihan B, Herrero-Beaumont G, Kirschner S, Leeb BF, Lohmander LS, Mazières B, Pavelka K, Punzi L, So AK, Tuncer T, Watt I, Bijlsma JW. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(3):483-489. doi:10.1136/ard.2009.113100. PMID: 19762361.
Maricar N, Callaghan MJ, Parkes MJ, Felson DT, O'Neill TW. Clinical assessment of effusion in knee osteoarthritis - A systematic review. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2016;45(5):556-563. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.10.004. PMID: 26581486.
Hegedus EJ, Cook C, Hasselblad V, Goode A, McCrory DC. Physical examination tests for assessing a torn meniscus in the knee: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;37(9):541-550. doi:10.2519/jospt.2007.2560. PMID: 17939613.
Margaretten ME, Kohlwes J, Moore D, Bent S. Does this adult patient have septic arthritis? JAMA. 2007;297(13):1478-1488. doi:10.1001/jama.297.13.1478. PMID: 17405973.
Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.