Range of knee motion in normal neonates.

Abstract

Fifty-seven normal neonates were examined at birth and at 3 and 6 months (to within 7 days). Range of knee motion and of hip flexion contracture were measured. Mean knee flexion contracture was 21.4 degrees at birth, reducing to 10.7 degrees at 3 months and 3.3 degrees at 6 months. Decreasing range of knee flexion was noted in the same period. The natural history of normal knee motion is important in interpreting findings in patients with neuromuscular disorders.