Limited range of motion
Definition
Limited range of motion is a reduction in the normal distance and direction through which a joint can move.
Considerations
Range of motion is the distance and direction of movement of a joint. Limited range of motion is a term meaning that a specific joint or body part cannot move through its normal range of motion.
Motion may be limited by a mechanical problem within the joint, by swelling of tissue around the joint, by stiffness of the muscles, or by pain.
Diseases that prevent a joint from fully extending may, over time, produce contracture deformities, causing permanent inability to extend the joint beyond a certain fixed position.
Causes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Cerebral palsy
- Fracture of elbow
- Fractures through most joints
- Dislocation (of most joints)
- Nursemaid's elbow, an injury to the elbow joint -- extremely common
- Congenital torticollis
- Septic joint (especially septic hip)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Syphilis
- Mucopolysaccharide storage diseases
- Hurler syndrome
- Scheie syndrome
- Hunter syndrome
- Morquio syndrome
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