Page 101 - Canine Lameness

5.2 ­Paasive Panve of os a 73

Table 5.4 PROM and flexibility testing for the pelvic limb (see Table 5.3 for column descriptions and how
to use this table).

Joint Normal PROM Muscle(s) inhibiting Flexibility testing

Hip Flexion Deep and middle gluteal Hip flexion and adduction
(44–50°) Superficial gluteal and Hip adduction
piriformis
Extension Sartorius, cranial head, and Hip extension and stifle flexion
(155–162°) rectus femoris
Iliopsoas Lumbar spine extension, ventral pelvic tilt,
hip extension, and hip internal rotation
Abduction Pectineus and adductor Hip abduction
(N/A)
Stifle Flexion Quadriceps complex Stifle flexion
(33–42°) Sartorius, cranial head, and Hip extension and stifle flexion
rectus femoris
Extension Biceps femoris Hip flexion, adduction, internal rotation,
(153–162°) and stifle extension and tarsal flexion
Semitendinosus Hip flexion, external rotation, and stifle
extension and tarsal flexion
Semimembranosus Hip flexion, slight abduction, and stifle
extension
Gracilis Hip flexion, abduction (greater degree than
semimembranosus), external rotation, and
stifle extension and tarsal flexion
Tarsus Flexion Gastrocnemius Stifle extension and tarsal flexion
(30–39°)
Extension Long digital extensor Stifle flexion, tarsal extension, and digit
(149–164°) flexion
Cranial tibialis Tarsal extension
Digits Flexion (N/A) Long digital extensor Stifle flexion, tarsal extension, and distal
(pelvic) interphalangeal joint flexion
Extension Superficial digital flexor Tarsal flexion and proximal
(N/A) interphalangeal joint extension
Deep digital flexor Tarsal flexion and distal interphalangeal
joint extension

5.2.1 How to Perform Passive Range of Motion Testing

PROM testing is a skill set that requires basic knowledge of joint osteokinematics, awareness of
muscle origins and insertions, manual handling skills, and correct choice and use of a goniometer.
A frequently neglected factor causing incorrect PROM angles is improper positioning of the limb.
PROM testing should be an evaluation of the motion between two bone segments, avoiding the
influence of muscle tension across the joint. This can be accomplished by placing all muscles that
surround the joint, especially muscles that cross more than one joint, in a slacked (non‐taut) position.
Knowledge of muscle anatomy and function is crucial to accomplish this task. However, as a rule
when testing flexion PROM, the proximal and distal joints should be positioned in flexion; when