Question

A 45 year old male patient arrived to an outpatient clinic with having right knee discomfort. Upon examination, patient has decreased knee flexion PROM. Which of the following is a MOST appropriate technique to help with this deficit?

A. Mobilize by performing superior glide of patella
B. Mobilize by performing medial glide of patella
C. Mobilize by performing lateral glide of patella
D. Mobilize by performing inferior glide of patella

Answer 1

To improve decreased knee flexion PROM in a patient, a superior glide of the patella is the most appropriate technique, as it may help increase the space in the femoropatellar joint and improve knee flexion.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a patient with decreased knee flexion passive range of motion (PROM), appropriate patellar mobilization can aid in improving knee mobility. Specifically, to address issues with knee flexion, a mobility technique such as a superior glide of the patella may be indicated. This technique focuses on moving the patella upward, which can potentially increase the space in the femoropatellar joint and thus improve the range of knee flexion.

Other glides like medial, lateral, or inferior are less likely to impact flexion and are typically used for other types of patellar tracking issues or discomfort. For instance, medial and lateral glides adjust the lateral or medial tracking of the patella, but these are not primarily used to increase knee flexion PROM. An inferior glide of the patella would be more associated with improving knee extension rather than flexion.