Ankle joint dorsiflexion. Establishment of a normal range.

ABSTRACT

Various values have been proposed as the required amount of ankle joint dorsiflexion, but a normal range has not been established. The authors establish a normal range based on direct measurements and compare the standard nonweightbearing method of measuring ankle joint dorsiflexion with a weightbearing method. The normal range for ankle joint dorsiflexion was established as 0 degrees to 16.5 degrees nonweightbearing and 7.1 degrees to 34.7 degrees weightbearing. A statistically significant (p < 0.01) difference exists between the two measuring systems. In addition, the study shows poor correlation between the two measurements. This lack of correlation brings into question the clinical relevance of the standard nonweightbearing measurement.