During passive ROM of the hip and knee, which technique helps stabilize the limb and prevent injury?

During passive ROM of the hip and knee, which technique helps stabilize the limb and prevent injury?

• A. Cradle the heel
• B. Hold the leg above the knee and bend sharply
• C. Move the leg quickly through ROM
• D. Place the hand at the ankle and twist

Answer: (A)

Stabilizing the limb and controlling movement during passive range of motion is essential to prevent strain or injury to the joints and soft tissue. Cradling the heel provides steady support of the leg, keeps it in neutral alignment, and allows the practitioner to move the limb smoothly and with controlled resistance. This grip helps protect the ankle, knee, and hip from sudden jerks or lever forces while you guide the leg through the range. Holding the leg above the knee and bending sharply creates a sharp bend and can place abnormal stress on the knee and hip, reducing control and increasing injury risk. Moving the leg quickly through the range offers little time to sense resistance or discomfort, raising the chance of overextension or joint damage. Twisting at the ankle by grabbing the ankle and twisting can injure ligaments and misalign the joint. Therefore, cradling the heel is the best technique for stabilizing the limb and preventing injury during passive ROM of the hip and knee.

Stabilizing the limb and controlling movement during passive range of motion is essential to prevent strain or injury to the joints and soft tissue. Cradling the heel provides steady support of the leg, keeps it in neutral alignment, and allows the practitioner to move the limb smoothly and with controlled resistance. This grip helps protect the ankle, knee, and hip from sudden jerks or lever forces while you guide the leg through the range.

Holding the leg above the knee and bending sharply creates a sharp bend and can place abnormal stress on the knee and hip, reducing control and increasing injury risk. Moving the leg quickly through the range offers little time to sense resistance or discomfort, raising the chance of overextension or joint damage. Twisting at the ankle by grabbing the ankle and twisting can injure ligaments and misalign the joint.

Therefore, cradling the heel is the best technique for stabilizing the limb and preventing injury during passive ROM of the hip and knee.