Which spasticity pattern is typical for the upper and lower limbs?

Which spasticity pattern is typical for the upper and lower limbs?

• A. Upper limb extension synergy; lower limb knee flexion
• B. Upper limb flexion synergy; lower limb knee extension
• C. Upper limb adduction and lower limb abduction
• D. No typical pattern

Answer: (B)

Spasticity after an upper motor neuron injury often produces stereotyped movement patterns called synergies. In the upper limb, the common pattern is flexor synergy, where the arm tends to move into elbow flexion with the shoulder often in abduction and external rotation, and the forearm in supination, with wrist and finger flexion. In the lower limb, the typical pattern is extensor synergy, where the leg shows hip adduction and internal rotation, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion. Because these two patterns commonly appear together after such injuries, the typical combination is the upper limb flexion synergy with knee extension in the lower limb. Other patterns—like upper limb extension with knee flexion or a pure adduction/abduction pattern—do not reflect the usual, coordinated synergy seen in spastic hemiparesis.

Spasticity after an upper motor neuron injury often produces stereotyped movement patterns called synergies. In the upper limb, the common pattern is flexor synergy, where the arm tends to move into elbow flexion with the shoulder often in abduction and external rotation, and the forearm in supination, with wrist and finger flexion. In the lower limb, the typical pattern is extensor synergy, where the leg shows hip adduction and internal rotation, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion. Because these two patterns commonly appear together after such injuries, the typical combination is the upper limb flexion synergy with knee extension in the lower limb. Other patterns—like upper limb extension with knee flexion or a pure adduction/abduction pattern—do not reflect the usual, coordinated synergy seen in spastic hemiparesis.