Terminal Knee Extension

Hip internal rotation supports tibial external rotation, which supports terminal knee extension. Open-chain terminal knee extension involves tibial external rotation as the knee reaches full extension. Terminal knee extension depends on coordinated knee and surrounding-joint motion. Hip and pelvis movement limitations can alter hamstring and quadriceps behavior in ways that limit knee extension. Restoring terminal knee extension requires more than forcing the knee straight. The article recommends assessing the ankle before focusing locally on the knee.