Final answer:
The correct description of the end feel in a patient with a meniscus injury is a 'springy' resistance at the end of the joint's passive range of motion, indicating a potential mechanical block or restriction caused by the injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a patient with a suspected meniscus injury, the end feel during a physical examination is a crucial diagnostic indicator. The term 'end feel' refers to the quality of resistance felt at the end of a joint's passive range of motion. There are different types of end feels, including bony, firm, springy, and empty.
For a meniscus injury, the typical end feel would be springy or sometimes referred to as a 'bouncy' resistance. This occurs because the torn meniscus may prevent full compression or create a mechanical block at the joint, causing a subtle rebound at the end of the motion. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is C) Springy.
It is essential not to confuse this with a 'bony' end feel, which denotes bone contacting bone, or a 'firm' end feel, which is characterized by a ligamentous or capsular stretching. An 'empty' end feel is when no true mechanical end point is felt, often because pain prevents reaching the end range of motion.