What describes a capsular end-feel?

What describes a capsular end-feel?

• A. A soft end-feel is yielding resistance due to muscle approximation.
• B. A hard end-feel means bone contact.
• C. A firm but not hard resistance typical of joint capsule restriction.
• D. An elastic spring.

Answer: (C)

End feel refers to the sensation you feel as a joint reaches the end of its passive range. A capsular end-feel is a firm but not hard resistance produced by the joint capsule and surrounding ligaments becoming stretched as the joint capsular structures restrict further movement. It feels like a smooth, leathery resistance with a slight give, rather than a hard bone-on-bone stop or a soft tissue compression. This is why the description “firm but not hard resistance typical of joint capsule restriction” best fits. Soft end-feel comes from soft tissue or muscle approximation, resulting in a yielding, squishy sensation. Hard end-feel is an abrupt stop due to bone contact. An elastic spring has a rebound or “springy” quality, often seen with intra-articular blocks or certain meniscal issues.

End feel refers to the sensation you feel as a joint reaches the end of its passive range. A capsular end-feel is a firm but not hard resistance produced by the joint capsule and surrounding ligaments becoming stretched as the joint capsular structures restrict further movement. It feels like a smooth, leathery resistance with a slight give, rather than a hard bone-on-bone stop or a soft tissue compression. This is why the description “firm but not hard resistance typical of joint capsule restriction” best fits.

Soft end-feel comes from soft tissue or muscle approximation, resulting in a yielding, squishy sensation. Hard end-feel is an abrupt stop due to bone contact. An elastic spring has a rebound or “springy” quality, often seen with intra-articular blocks or certain meniscal issues.