Which Tardieu grade indicates limb rigid and immobile?

Which Tardieu grade indicates limb rigid and immobile?

• A. Tardieu 0
• B. Tardieu 2
• C. Tardieu 3
• D. Tardieu 4

Answer: (D)

The Tardieu scale assesses spasticity by how strongly a muscle resists a quick stretch, with resistance increasing as the grade rises. The highest grade describes a response where the muscle’s resistance is so great that the limb becomes rigid and immobile when you try to move it quickly. That is why a rigid, immobile limb corresponds to the top grade on this scale. Lower grades reflect progressively less resistance—such as slight or catch-like resistance or partial movement—without the complete immobility seen at the highest grade.

The Tardieu scale assesses spasticity by how strongly a muscle resists a quick stretch, with resistance increasing as the grade rises. The highest grade describes a response where the muscle’s resistance is so great that the limb becomes rigid and immobile when you try to move it quickly. That is why a rigid, immobile limb corresponds to the top grade on this scale. Lower grades reflect progressively less resistance—such as slight or catch-like resistance or partial movement—without the complete immobility seen at the highest grade.