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

• A. SOFT end feel, 0-45 degrees
• B. FIRM end feel, 0-45 degrees
• C. HARD end feel, 0-45 degrees
• D. FIRM end feel, 0-60 degrees

Answer: (B)

Hip internal rotation is limited by the joint capsule and ligaments, so in a normal hip the end of motion feels firm rather than soft or hard. When the hip is in neutral with the knee bent, the typical range of internal rotation is about 0 to 45 degrees. That combination—firm end feel with an ROM up to roughly 45 degrees—reflects the normal capsular restraint at this joint. A soft end feel would suggest extra-articular tissue coming into contact prematurely, which isn’t the usual pattern for this motion, and a hard end feel would indicate bony contact, which points to an abnormal or degenerative issue. An ROM of 0-60 degrees would exceed the expected normal limit for this test.