What is the normal range of knee hyperextension?

What is the normal range of knee hyperextension?

• A. 0-1°
• B. 0-3°
• C. 0-7°
• D. 0-5°

Answer: (D)

Normal knee hyperextension is how far the knee can straighten past 0 degrees. A small amount of hyperextension is typical because the knee’s soft tissues allow a bit of laxity when the leg is extended. The upper limit commonly cited for a normal range is about 5 degrees, so 0 to 5 degrees is considered normal. If hyperextension exceeds this or is accompanied by symptoms, it might indicate ligamentous laxity or genu recurvatum and could warrant closer assessment. Clinically, this is measured with the patient supine using a goniometer to quantify the angle beyond neutral.

Normal knee hyperextension is how far the knee can straighten past 0 degrees. A small amount of hyperextension is typical because the knee’s soft tissues allow a bit of laxity when the leg is extended. The upper limit commonly cited for a normal range is about 5 degrees, so 0 to 5 degrees is considered normal. If hyperextension exceeds this or is accompanied by symptoms, it might indicate ligamentous laxity or genu recurvatum and could warrant closer assessment. Clinically, this is measured with the patient supine using a goniometer to quantify the angle beyond neutral.