Which end-feel corresponds to bone-to-bone contact?

• A. Bone to bone
• B. Capsular
• C. Soft tissue
• D. Muscular

Answer: (A)

End-feel during passive joint movement reflects what stops the motion at the end range. When the surfaces of two bones actually touch with no soft tissue or capsule giving way, you feel a hard, abrupt stop—that is the bone-to-bone end-feel. This occurs when the joint is moved to its terminal range and the articular surfaces meet. It’s a non-yielding end-point.

In contrast, a firm end-feel comes from stretch of the joint capsule or supporting ligaments, with a slight give before reaching full end ROM; a soft end-feel results from soft tissue approximation between muscle or fat as the joint comes to the end range; and a muscular end-feel involves guarding or contraction that can limit movement. Because the question describes a hard, abrupt stop due to contact of bone surfaces, the bone-to-bone end-feel is the best match.