What is the normal range for extension at the knee?

The normal range for knee extension is typically defined as 0 to 15 degrees. This range indicates that individuals can extend their knee fully to 0 degrees, where the leg is in a straight line, and typically extend past this point to about 15 degrees, which reflects the anatomical limits of many people's knee joints.

This range is important for understanding normal knee function, mobility, and the implications for rehabilitation and sports medicine. A person being able to achieve full extension signifies proper muscle strength and ligament integrity around the knee joint, which are crucial for activities like walking, running, and jumping.

While the other ranges indicated extend beyond the normal physiological limits for extension, they do not align with established anatomical norms for healthy knee motion. The precise parameters of knee extension can also be essential for clinicians to assess when diagnosing conditions that may affect range of motion, like arthritis or injuries.