Page 106 - Canine Lameness

78 5 The Rehabilitation Examination

(A) (B)

Osteokinematic motion: Rolling
gross movements of
bones at joints
Arthrokinematic motion:
small amplitude motions
of bones at joint surface

(C) (D)

Cranial
Medial
Spinning Gliding
Lateral
Caudal

Figure 5.6 Osteokinematics and arthrokinematics are related to each other and are used to accurately
assess and describe joint range of motion. (A) Osteokinematics describe the gross movements of bones as
manifested at the joint by a change in joint angle (e.g. flexion and extension through range of motion).
Arthrokinematics describe small changes at the level of the joint surface itself (e.g. accessory motions).
Arthrokinematic motions include (B) rolling, which is a rotary movement (i.e. one bone is “rolling” off the
other which would for example cause flexion of the shoulder); (C) spinning, which is also a rotary
movement, however rather than rolling one bone is “spinning” on the other like a top, causing internal or
external rotation; and (D) gliding or sliding, which is a translatory movement that can happen in four
directions (i.e. one bone gliding on the other which may be part of normal range of motion or pathologic,
such as a drawer motion).

test, the tester manually mobilizes the distal bone (again, as close to the joint as possible) parallel
to the proximal bone joint surface in one direction at a time – cranially, caudally, medially, and
laterally. As the distal surface of the joint is gliding on the proximal surface, the tester feels for joint
surface quality and notes descriptions such as crepitus or pain (Cookson and Kent 1979). Since this
testing is subjective, it is ideal for the tester to compare findings to the contralateral, unaffected
joint. If no unaffected joint is available, breed‐to‐breed comparison may be considered. This infor-
mation can then be used to determine if the joint surface quality is normal and if the joint surface
gliding motion is restricted or excessive.