What is the normal range of motion for wrist adduction (ulnar deviation)?

What is the normal range of motion for wrist adduction (ulnar deviation)?

• A. 0-75°
• B. 0-60°
• C. 0-65°
• D. 0-50°

Answer: (C)

Wrist adduction, or ulnar deviation, is the movement of bending the hand toward the pinky side along the frontal plane. It’s limited by the ligaments and carpal bones, so there’s a practical cap on how far you can deviate the wrist. In a healthy adult, the normal active range of ulnar deviation is typically about 0 to 30 degrees, with some sources noting up to around 35 degrees depending on measurement method and individual variation. This is much less than the larger ranges listed in the options, which tend to overestimate how far the wrist can move in that direction. So, the standard expectation is near 0–30 degrees of ulnar deviation. When you measure it, keep the forearm in neutral, the elbow extended, and align the goniometer consistently to get an accurate reading.

Wrist adduction, or ulnar deviation, is the movement of bending the hand toward the pinky side along the frontal plane. It’s limited by the ligaments and carpal bones, so there’s a practical cap on how far you can deviate the wrist.

In a healthy adult, the normal active range of ulnar deviation is typically about 0 to 30 degrees, with some sources noting up to around 35 degrees depending on measurement method and individual variation. This is much less than the larger ranges listed in the options, which tend to overestimate how far the wrist can move in that direction.

So, the standard expectation is near 0–30 degrees of ulnar deviation. When you measure it, keep the forearm in neutral, the elbow extended, and align the goniometer consistently to get an accurate reading.