What type of end-feel would a therapist expect in a patient presenting with osteoarthritis?

In the context of osteoarthritis, the presence of a bony osteophytic end-feel is indicative of the joint changes associated with this condition. Osteoarthritis often leads to the formation of bone spurs, or osteophytes, which create a hard, bony resistance to movement when testing joint range of motion. This results in a bony end-feel when the therapist assesses joint mobility.

A bony osteophytic end-feel suggests that there is a mechanical restriction in the joint due to the osteophytes, which can create a sensation of abrupt and firm stoppage during passive movement. This is characteristic of osteoarthritis as the disease progresses and structural changes in the joint become apparent.

In contrast, soft-tissue approximation typically indicates a normal or healthy end-feel, occurring when two soft tissues meet. A capsular end-feel is noted with conditions involving joint capsule tightness or inflammation but does not reflect the specific hard and abnormal feel associated with the osteophytes in osteoarthritis. The early leathery end-feel, indicative of a tighter or less elastic end-range, would not be indicative of the osteophytic changes seen in osteoarthritis either. The characteristics of the bony end-feel provide valuable insights into the underlying