What distinguishes locked joints from close-packed joints?

Support Team Updated by Support Team

Locked joints refer to the intentional or unintentional hyperextension or overextension of a joint, which can lead to strain or injury. When a joint is "locked," it is typically pushed to its end range, often without the muscular support required to maintain stability. Continually locking joints, especially without proper muscular engagement, can lead to wear and tear over time.

Close-packed joints, on the other hand, refer to a position in which the joint surfaces are most congruent and the ligaments and the capsule holding the joint together are taut. In this position, the joint is most stable, but also has the least amount of volume or space for movement. Each type of synovial joint has a specific movement or position where it becomes close-packed. For example, for the knee joint, the close-packed position is full extension.

So, while "locked" often refers to an undesirable hyperextended position, "close-packed" denotes a specific position of maximal joint congruency and stability.

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