What is the normal range of motion for wrist extension?

What is the normal range of motion for wrist extension?

• A. 0-50°
• B. 0-90°
• C. 0-40°
• D. 0-70°

Answer: (D)

Wrist extension ROM describes how far the hand can move backward from a neutral position. In healthy adults, the typical endpoint for this motion is about 70 degrees, so the normal range is roughly 0 to 70 degrees. This is usually measured with a goniometer: the axis placed over the triquetrum, the stationary arm along the ulna, and the moving arm along the fifth metacarpal, with the forearm supported and the elbow flexed around 90 degrees. Some references note it can be up to about 75 degrees, but 0–70 degrees is the common normative value used in practice.

Wrist extension ROM describes how far the hand can move backward from a neutral position. In healthy adults, the typical endpoint for this motion is about 70 degrees, so the normal range is roughly 0 to 70 degrees. This is usually measured with a goniometer: the axis placed over the triquetrum, the stationary arm along the ulna, and the moving arm along the fifth metacarpal, with the forearm supported and the elbow flexed around 90 degrees. Some references note it can be up to about 75 degrees, but 0–70 degrees is the common normative value used in practice.