Quote Originally Posted by guy909uk View Post
Hi Physiobase,
Just noticed you mention that a greater degree of external rotation, coupled with a reduction in internal rotation can occur, even though the "total" ROM is still relatively preserved. Just interested if this is usually a pathological finding or merely tends to be incidental? Any ideas why ext rotation is increased when int rotation is diminished? Compensatory? Imbalances?
Indeed clinically this is usually the case. A hemi-pelvis that is 'flared' out on one side will look like the person is standing in external rotation even though that are in neutral relative to that side of the pelvis. Thus if the same person is then assessed in supine lying in assumed 'neutral' position in the sagittal plane what they are actually doing is lying in internal rotation relative to the actual hemi-pelvic position. On assessment of ROM this would make you think they have reduced internal rotation on examination and increased external rotation.

Is is very important to look at both sides as it is often a dysfunction on the contralateral side that can be causing this, especially during movements such as running.