Hip range of motion norms
Also known as: hip ROM norms, normal hip range of motion
Hip range of motion norms are the reference values for normal movement at the hip joint, commonly cited as about 120° of flexion, 20° of extension, 40–45° of abduction, 20–30° of adduction, and roughly 45° of internal and external rotation.
Hip range of motion norms are the expected movement values for a healthy adult hip, measured with a goniometer during a musculoskeletal examination. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that moves in three planes, so clinicians assess six motions: flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal (medial) rotation, and external (lateral) rotation.
Commonly cited adult norms are approximately 120° of flexion (measured with the knee bent to slacken the hamstrings), 10–20° of extension, 40–45° of abduction, 20–30° of adduction, 35–45° of internal rotation, and 45° of external rotation. Published reference values differ slightly between sources such as the AAOS and Norkin and White, so clinics standardize on one set of norms and, more importantly, compare a patient's involved side to the uninvolved side.
These values matter because deficits guide diagnosis and treatment planning. Limited motion in a characteristic pattern can point to capsular involvement such as osteoarthritis, and functional tasks demand specific ranges — sitting requires roughly 90° or more of hip flexion, while normal gait requires hip extension in terminal stance. Goniometric measurements also provide objective baselines for documenting progress.
The NPTE-PTA exam tests hip range of motion within its musculoskeletal system content — know the normal values for each motion, standard goniometric alignment, and how ROM findings tie into common hip pathologies.
Key takeaways
- Normal adult hip ROM is approximately: flexion 120°, extension 10–20°, abduction 40–45°, adduction 20–30°, internal rotation 35–45°, and external rotation 45°.
- Reference values vary slightly by source, so side-to-side comparison is clinically essential.
- Hip ROM is measured with a goniometer across three planes of motion.
- Functional tasks require specific ranges — sitting needs about 90° or more of hip flexion.
- Characteristic ROM restriction patterns help identify capsular pathologies like osteoarthritis.