In hip external (lateral) rotation testing, which combination of end feel and ROM is typical?

• A. FIRM end feel, 0-45 degrees
• B. HARD end feel, 0-50 degrees
• C. SOFT end feel, 0-30 degrees
• D. FIRM end feel, 0-20 degrees

Answer: (A)

Hip external rotation is limited primarily by the joint capsule and surrounding ligaments, so as you rotate the thigh outward with the knee flexed, the end feel is typically firm due to capsular stretch and soft-tissue tension. The normal range for this motion is in the roughly 40–50 degree area, and many clinical references capture it as about 0–45 degrees for practical testing, with a firm end feel at the limit. This combination—firm end feel with about 0–45 degrees of rotation—fits the expected pattern for a typical hip external rotation exam. A hard end feel would imply bony contact, which isn’t typical here; a soft end feel would suggest extra soft-tissue compression or swelling, not normal hip mechanics; and starting at only 20 degrees would be abnormally limited for a healthy hip.