What is the normal range of motion for wrist extension?

What is the normal range of motion for wrist extension?

• A. 0-90°
• B. 0-50°
• C. 0-70°
• D. 0-120°

Answer: (C)

Wrist extension is the dorsiflexion of the wrist—moving the back of the hand toward the forearm—from a neutral position. The typical end range for a healthy wrist is about 0 to 70 degrees, often cited in ROM charts. This range reflects what most people can achieve without pain or compensation and provides enough motion for many everyday tasks. Values like 0–50 degrees are more limited than average, 0–90 degrees extends beyond what is normally observed, and 0–120 degrees far exceeds typical physiologic limits, making 0–70 degrees the best reference.

Wrist extension is the dorsiflexion of the wrist—moving the back of the hand toward the forearm—from a neutral position. The typical end range for a healthy wrist is about 0 to 70 degrees, often cited in ROM charts. This range reflects what most people can achieve without pain or compensation and provides enough motion for many everyday tasks. Values like 0–50 degrees are more limited than average, 0–90 degrees extends beyond what is normally observed, and 0–120 degrees far exceeds typical physiologic limits, making 0–70 degrees the best reference.